Capsugel Expands Its Successful DRcaps™ Capsule Platform with New Liquid-Fill Capability

October 02, 2015

Offering now includes a first-of-its-kind, fully vegetarian, acid-resistant capsule for liquid-filled products

Morristown, N.J., October 2, 2015  – Capsugel, a global leader in delivering high-quality, innovative dosage forms and solutions to the healthcare industry, today announced that it has developed a technology that makes its vegetarian, acid-resistant DRcaps™ hard capsules suitable for liquid-fill applications.  As a result, Capsugel’s customers can now bring the benefits of DRcaps capsules – including resistance to stomach acid and taste/odor-masking – to liquid-based dietary supplements.  This new offering will be featured at SupplySide West 2015 held October 5-9 in Las Vegas.

Capsugel’s DRcaps capsules are made of an innovative vegetarian polymer that slows down capsule opening after swallowing, effectively masks the unpleasant tastes and odors of certain ingredients, and reduces the aftertaste caused by such ingredients as garlic – all without the need for shellac coatings.  As a result, the capsules have gained a strong appeal for customers seeking optimal delivery of acid-sensitive ingredients.

“Since their launch in 2011, DRcaps capsules have been a win-win for customers and consumers alike, which is why we are so excited to extend the platform beyond powder-filled capsules to now benefit our customers’ liquid-filled products as well,” said Peter Zambetti, Capsugel’s Director of Global Business Development, Health & Nutrition.  “As a vegetarian solution, our DRcaps capsules can now help even more of our customers meet the demands of today’s health-conscious consumers who are increasingly seeking clean-label options.”

Because of their acid-resistant properties, DRcaps capsules are ideally suited for highly acid-sensitive supplements – including probiotics, enzymes and certain sports nutrition ingredients – which work best in the intestines. To bring these same properties to liquid-filled capsules, Capsugel is combining its new vegetarian banding technology with its industry-leading, proprietary liquid-fill platform.  This combination is what enables, for the first time, a fully vegetarian, acid-resistant capsule for liquid-filled products.  This capability will initially be available to Capsugel’s global customers through the company’s Dosage Form Solutions facility in Greenwood, S.C.

Capsugel’s DRcaps capsules have become increasingly popular since their debut four years ago, achieving strong double-digit sales growth in each subsequent year.

“Capsugel is thrilled with the positive customer and consumer response to our DRcaps capsules, which have quickly become a ‘go-to’ solution for the delivery of acid-sensitive powdered ingredients,” said Mark Vieceli, Director of Sales, Americas Region.  “We anticipate similar success with customers seeking effective delivery strategies for liquid ingredients that are acid-sensitive or that can cause an unpleasant aftertaste, including omega-3 fish oils.”

ABOUT CAPSUGEL

Capsugel is a global leader in delivering high-quality, innovative dosage forms and solutions to its customers in the health care industry. The company’s Hard Capsule business offers customers the broadest portfolio of gelatin, vegetarian, and other specialized capsule technologies. Capsugel’s Dosage Form Solutions business utilizes an array of proprietary technologies and specialized manufacturing capabilities to solve customers’ most pressing product-development challenges, including bioavailability enhancement, modified release, abuse deterrence, biotherapeutic processing, and inhalation formulation. The company's fast-to-clinic program streamlines product development from pre-formulation through clinical and commercial supply for finished dosage forms. Headquartered in Morristown, N.J., Capsugel serves more than 4,000 customers in more than 100 countries. For additional information, visit www.capsugel.com.