Softgels are traditionally thought of in the world of vitamin supplements, but increasingly they are being considered to deliver over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, in categories such as pain relief and Cough and Cold. In addition, softgel manufacturer and developer, Sofgen, says it is seeing an uptick in interest from clients wanting to use its softgel technology for more complex therapeutic areas such as respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrinology and oncologics, including high-potency compounds.

“Soft gelatin capsules – or softgels – have been gaining popularity as an alternative supplement delivery system to oils and pills for a while and it’s easy to see why,” says Camilo Suarez, General Manager of Business and Operations, Sofgen. “They are highly stable and offer a long shelf life. They can help manufacturers enhance the bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and they are tasteless, visually appealing, and easy to swallow. Now we are seeing an exciting opportunity for expansion and getting to showcase our dynamic portfolio of advanced softgel technologies to a wider part of the pharmaceuticals community.”

Softgel advances

Sofgen operates out of the US from an 86,000 square feet production facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. The facility, which also has development and analytical testing capabilities as well as tech transfer capability, is increasing capacity to produce about 1.8 billion capsules a year. The firm says this purchase, which completed at the end of 2021, has been vital to developing in the lucrative US market – the US pharmaceuticals market was worth almost $500 billion according to GlobalData’s sales database – where it can be close to key customers and projects, while also being able to expand R&D and lab capabilities to support the global pipeline.

The integrated CDMO will be exhibiting at CPHI Milan, to be held between 8 and 10 October. Suarez says they are keen to introduce new customers to their portfolio of drug delivery alternatives, with a focus on its Reducedgels technology, which offers the possibility of reducing the size of a particular softgel without affecting its overall effectiveness and potency. At the show, the business will also be focusing on Unigel™, a first-to-market patented technology that allows the combination of different active ingredients in a single capsule. 

Suarez says: “We are pleased to say that we are seeing good interest in our CDMO services in strategic therapeutic categories  and we are engaging with our clients on interesting new products that are in various phases of clinical development. We are also observing a more ingredient-conscious and convenient-seeker consumer who is looking for flexibility and ease of consumption.”

To serve this dynamic market, Sofgen has made the following a priority:

  • Innovation in product development: Sofgen is committed to accelerating innovation by developing new and effective products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. This includes leveraging its expertise in softgel technologies to create advanced formulations that enhance bioavailability and stability.
  • Personalised health solutions: Recognising the growing consumer preference for personalised health and wellness plans, Sofgen is focusing on creating tailored products that address specific health concerns.
  • Regulatory compliance and quality assurance: Sofgen ensures that all products meet stringent regulatory standards and maintain high-quality control measures. This commitment to compliance and quality helps to build consumer trust and ensures the safety and efficacy of its products.

Sofgen will attend 2024 CPHI Milan at the Fiero Milano Conference Centre. Attendees interested in Sofgen’s services should stop by its booth at stand #7B34 Alternatively, book a meeting with us directly by filling in the form here