06.01.08
Capsugel: Meeting Consumer & Customer Demand
As a leading capsule manufacturer, Capsugel, Greenwood, SC, a division of Pfizer Inc., continues to offer its customers an expanding list of cutting edge products and services.
“With multiple production and business facilities worldwide, Capsugel offers unmatched certainty of supply,” said Missy Lowery, marketing manager for Capsugel, Americas Region. Currently, the company has 10 manufacturing facilities located around the globe.
“Our worldwide presence offers several advantages for clients,” Ms. Lowery said. “For example, we understand the regulatory environment from country to country, so we can advise our customers on the regulations they may face. Because we source capsules from any of our 10 locations and these capsules are standard—made from tooling and machinery developed from one source in Greenwood, SC—we also offer an uninterrupted supply of capsules, which is extremely important to customers who sell globally.”
Capsugel also has its own state-of-the-art Dietary Supplement Research and Development Center, offering services from pre-formulation to commercial production.
“Customers don’t just buy capsules in a box from us. They look to partner for innovative products and solutions,” said Brad Larson, manager of marketing and business development for Capsugel, Americas Region.
But it doesn’t stop there. Through the company’s Liquid Formulation Center, which opened in Greenwood, SC, in 2005, Capsugel works with supplement companies to develop their individual formulas into liquid-dosage forms—something for which consumers have indicated a preference in recent years. “Sometimes a formula is not as bioavailable as the customer would like, or they would like to reinvigorate their brand with a new dosage offering,” said Ms. Lowery. “Our scientists use pharmaceutical-based scientific development protocols to assist them in creating new formulas or refining and optimizing existing formulas.”
With more companies interested in global distribution, Capsugel offers its customers educational seminars on regulatory requirements and mock GMP audits through its expanded Capsugel University Program. “We are working very hard to assist our customers in understanding what the new GMPs mean to them, the implications for their businesses, what they need to do to be compliant, and by when,” Ms. Lowery said. “We are investing in our customers’ success under these new guidelines.”
With an eye on these standards, and another on growing demand for lifestyle-driven specialty products, Capsugel has introduced several new capsules in recent years. Vcaps Plus Capsules are plant-based and composed of HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)—ideal for vegetarian consumers. OceanCaps fish gelatin capsules may also appeal to vegetarians and have been available in the U.S. market since 2007. They are especially suitable for enhancing marine-based products, such as fish oil, shark cartilage or algae, but are formulated with no fish taste or odor. They are also Kosher and Halal certified, making them appropriate for consumers with religious and cultural requirements.
Offering an eye-catching capsule that can add sophistication to products, in 2007 Capsugel introduced Pearlcaps, a pearled two-piece capsule made from plant-based HPMC or gelatin with a light-reflecting pigment. They have been well received in the oral cosmetics and sports nutrition markets in particular, according to Capsugel. The company also introduced Pearlized Licaps capsules, extending its proprietary liquid supplement delivery technology.
“In general, consumers are showing an appreciation for liquid dosage forms, and Licaps has become a mainstream product because the liquid content is visible and the formulations achieve the bioavailability our customers want,” Ms. Lowery said. “Licaps has also expanded its market reach with the addition of the new 000 size in 2007, which is ideal for sports nutrition and other marketplaces that require large dosages.”
With a wealth of resources and experience, Capsugel is well equipped to meet market demands, especially as new consumer trends develop and compliance standards expand.—S.M.
Capsugel
535 North Emerald Road
Greenwood, SC 29646
Telephone: 888-783-6361
Fax: 888-783-6360
E-mail: marketing.amer@pfizer.com
Website: www.capsugel.com