Aavishkar Oral Strips Pvt Ltd., which first developed the patent-pending ThinSol oral thin films (OTFs) in 2013, announced that these films, which dissolve on the tongue, are poised for success as a delivery platform for nutritional ingredients.
 
The company reports that there are a number of unique advantage, such as: a high absorption rate; applicability across oral care, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications; convenience due to small size and no water required; significant performance at low doses; strong bioavailability; and stability due to a polymer matrix embedded with the active ingredients.
 
Oral thin films can carry an active ingredient content of 60%, compared to 30% for the average gummy and 10% for the average tablet, according to Aavishkar.
 
Compared to gummies, which often have some added sugar, OTFs can deliver flavors while sugar-free due to the lack of caloric content, making this a preferable alternative for those concerned about sugar content.
 
Currently, the company has oral films with approximately 100 flavor and color options, all of which are plant-based and formulated to mask bitter ingredients – this comprises more than 100 products with 320 SKUs. Further, ThinSol can be employed for several product categories, including probiotics, botanicals, nutricosmetics, enzymes, and an array of condition-specific products.
 
“ThinSol OTFs provide solutions to many challenges common among supplement formulators and brand marketers,” said Dinesh A R, CEO of Aavishkar. “They can help older brands refresh and spur growth, and they can increase consumer engagement for brands that feel stagnant. This is accomplished in part by our ability to source exotic and relevant flavors throughout the globe, improve bioavailability without compromising taste, skillful blending of complementary, synergistic ingredients into a single strip, and sourcing high-grade sustainable packaging materials.”
 
Additionally, side effects such as upset stomach and nausea, for instance, can be avoided by using ThinSol instead of tablets or syrups for ingredients such as iron. “In this case, we have microencapsulated iron in the ThinSol delivery that allows the iron to be absorbed in the mouth, eliminating the gastro side effects,” Dinesh said.
 
“For the 45% of people worldwide who are pill averse, and for those who dislike syrups or sugary chews, oral thin films provide the perfect solution that will greatly enhance compliance; greatly enhanced compliance improves development of consumer loyalty,” said Anusha Sane, managing director of Aavishkar. “ThinSol OTFs reduce the cost per daily dose and economy of scales are more efficient as retail pricing for the strips have become more attractive for consumers.”