Advancements in Encapsulation Technology

Abstract

Gelatine relies on water for plasticity, while HPMC capsules do not. [...]HPMC capsules can sustain mechanical stability at a lower percent relative humidity (% RH) range (Figure 1) and are better suited for moisture-sensitive and hygroscopic APIs (1). HPMC shells demonstrated less hydrolysis caused from the moisture content contained in the capsule shells, meaning increased shelf life of moisture-sensitive compounds encapsulated in HPMC capsules and continued safety and efficacy of the drug. A human bioequivalence study of Vcaps Plus (Lonza Capsugel) capsules, with 24 patients, demonstrated equivalent performance to hard gelatin capsules with three BDCCS Class 1 biomarkers-acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, and caffeine-further demonstrating its excellent performance while similar studies done on HPMC capsules which do contain a gelling system show greater intra-patient variability as well as a notable difference in onset time of drug absorption (Tlag) (4). Conclusion With the ability to protect encapsulated APIs against moisture, HPMC capsules are an ideal formulation tool when gelatine capsules are incompatible. [...]HPMC capsules without gelling systems have been designed to overcome inconsistent dissolution performance presented by the interaction between gelling agents and the dissolution environment.