Enteric Softgel Capsules Market

Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Size:

The global enteric softgel capsules market size reached USD 2.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 3.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% during 2025-2033. The market is primarily driven by the growing global geriatric population, the rising prevalence of chronic medical disorders and nutrient-deficient diseases, and the growing acceptance of nutritional and dietary supplements.

Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The growing geriatric population, which is more susceptible to gastrointestinal conditions is boosting the enteric softgel capsule demand. Another significant driver is the rising preference for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements that need targeted delivery to the intestines for optimal absorption and effectiveness.
• Key Market Trends: A key trend in the market is the increasing focus on advanced drug delivery systems. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in research and development to create more efficient and effective enteric coatings that can precisely control the release of active ingredients.
• Geographical Trends: North America and Europe dominate the enteric softgel capsules market share due to their well-established healthcare infrastructure, high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, and significant investment in pharmaceutical research and development.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the enteric softgel capsules industry include Aenova Group GmbH, BASF SE, Catalent, Inc., Colorcon Inc., Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd., Lonza Group AG, Now Health Group, Inc., ProCaps Group, Super Spectrim and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. among many others. They are focusing on strategic collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to strengthen their market position and expand their product portfolios.
• Challenges and Opportunities: As per the enteric softgel capsules market overview, one of the main challenges is the stringent regulatory environment as ensuring compliance with varying regulations can be complex and costly for manufacturers. However, the growing awareness of the benefits of enteric softgel capsules in improving drug bioavailability and patient compliance opens new avenues for market growth.

Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Trends:

Growing prevalence of chronic diseases

The enteric softgel capsule market growth is significantly driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. As per Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention, an estimated 129 million people in the US have at least 1 major chronic disease including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Besides, five of the top 10 leading causes of death in the US are, or are strongly associated with, preventable and treatable chronic diseases. Moreover, over the past two decades prevalence has increased steadily, and this trend is expected to continue. Enteric softgel capsules offer a continuous and targeted release of medication, which is beneficial for treating illnesses that often require long-term treatment. By releasing its contents in the intestines instead of the stomach, these capsules make sure the medication is absorbed where it works best. This targeted administration is a desirable alternative for managing chronic diseases since it can enhance therapeutic outcomes and lessen side effects. With aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, and changing dietary habits contributing to the global burden of chronic diseases, enteric softgel capsules and other sophisticated drug delivery technologies are likely to become more and more in demand.

Increasing preference toward nutritional supplements

Another factor propelling the enteric softgel capsule market revenue is the growing inclination of consumers toward dietary supplements. As per the National Library of Medicine, the global nutraceuticals and supplements market has steadily grown over the past decade and was reported to be worth $353 Billion in 2019. Research in the field has also grown, with over 70,000 published articles available in PubMed relating to nutraceuticals or dietary supplements respectively. Besides, the occurrence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) starting in November 2019 led to an even greater increase in sales of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals in early 2020. The nutraceutical sector uses enteric softgel capsules extensively to provide vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements. These capsules have a number of benefits, including as increased nutrient absorption and bioavailability, shielding delicate components from stomach acids, and improving customer convenience and compliance. More people are including nutritional supplements in their regular routines as awareness of their health advantages develops. This trend is especially prominent among older populations and health-conscious consumers who want to use supplements to prevent or treat medical issues.

Rising geriatric population

Another major aspect increasing the enteric softgel capsule market value is the growing geriatric population. According to the United Nations (UN), the global population aged 65 years or older is expected to be more than double, increasing from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050. The population aged 80 years or older is growing at an even faster rate. Elderly people frequently have particular healthcare demands, such as managing several chronic illnesses and requiring easy-to-swallow, gastrointestinal-friendly drugs. These criteria are met by enteric softgel capsules, which provide a practical and efficient method of delivering prescription drugs and dietary supplements. These capsules' enteric coating is especially helpful as digestive problems are more common in the elderly population. Additionally, as life expectancy rises and birth rates fall, the world's senior population is expanding. Enteric softgel capsules, which can improve medication adherence and treatment outcomes, are among the healthcare items that are predicted to see an increase in demand as a result of this demographic transition.

Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, application and distribution channel.

Breakup by Type:

• Gelatin Capsules
• Non-Gelatin Softgel Capsules
   

Gelatin capsules accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes gelatin capsules and non-gelatin softgel capsules. According to the report, gelatin capsules represented the largest segment.

As per enteric capsules market forecast, gelatin capsules are widely preferred due to their exceptional biocompatibility and absorption. Derived from animal collagen, gelatin is an easily absorbed and digested natural protein by the human body. It is also safe for a variety of consumers including those with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions due to its biocompatibility. Gelatin capsules are also renowned for having a high bioavailability, or the ability of the active substances to be effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. Hence, there is an escalating demand for gelatin for manufacturing softgel capsules. As per National Liabrary of Medicine, the market for gelatin in 2020 reached USD 3.18 Billion and is further expected to reach USD 4.08 Billion by 2024 as forecasted in the same report.

Breakup by Application:

• Health Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals
   

Health supplements hold the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes health supplements and pharmaceuticals. According to the report, health supplements accounted for the largest market share.

The market is dominated by health supplements primarily due to the increasing awareness of the value of preserving general health and wellbeing. According to the Research Gate, 53.7 % of the participants of the survey took dietary supplements upon the doctor’s advice, 28.5 % took them with their own decision, and 15.9 % took them after friend advice; 87.4 % of the participants bought supplements in the pharmacy. As the wellness sector grows, more people are taking an active role in their health and looking for supplements that help boost immunity, deliver vital nutrients, and stave against chronic illnesses. As enteric softgel capsules can shield delicate components from stomach acids, improving absorption and bioavailability in the intestines, they are an appealing delivery option for these nutrients.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Pharmacy and Drug Stores
• Online Stores
   

Pharmacy and drug stores represent the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, pharmacy and drug stores, and online stores. According to the report, pharmacy and drug stores represented the largest segment.

Pharmacy and drug stores hold a significant market share in the market. These widely dispersed and consumer-friendly retail locations offer a practical point of sale for prescription drugs and nutritional supplements. Pharmacists can offer expert guidance, customers frequently choose to purchase health-related products from pharmacies, guaranteeing that their decisions are well-informed. As per the report published by Mckinsey, retail chains are the largest and most prevalent of the four pharmacy types, representing a third of stores and about a third of prescription revenues in 2021. On a per-store basis, retail chains dispense approximately 138,000 prescriptions annually about 50 percent more than grocers, the next largest prescription dispensers per retail location in US.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest enteric softgel capsules market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America was the largest regional market for enteric softgel capsules.

An important driver creating a favorable enteric softgel capsules market outlook in North America is the increasing prevalence of chronic disorders. As per National Library of Medicine, the number of people in the United States aged 50 years and older will increase by 61.11% from 137.25 million in 2020 to 221.13 million in 2050.Of the population 50 years and older, the number with at least one chronic disease is estimated to increase by 99.5% from 71.522 million in 2020 to 142.66 million by 2050. Owing mostly to aging populations and lifestyle choices, conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and gastrointestinal ailments are prevalent in the area. Enteric softgel capsules provide targeted and sustained release of medications, which is beneficial for patients with chronic conditions who often need long-term treatment. These capsules are a recommended option for managing chronic diseases since they enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects. The substantial market share of North America is mostly attributed to the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses, which in turn drives demand for efficient and practical drug delivery methods.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major enteric softgel capsules companies in the industry include Aenova Group GmbH, BASF SE, Catalent, Inc., Colorcon Inc., Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd., Lonza Group AG, Now Health Group, Inc., ProCaps Group, Super Spectrim and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• As per enteric softgel capsules market research report, key players are establishing strategic alliances and partnerships to strengthen their position. They are also innovating through collaboration with academic institutions, research centers, and other pharmaceutical firms. These partnerships frequently result in the exchange of technology and information as well as the co-development of new goods, all of which greatly strengthen a business's competitive advantage. Increasing production capacity is yet another important tactic used by top competitors in the enteric softgel capsule industry. Businesses can boost production capacity and boost operational efficiency by investing in new production facilities or renovating existing ones. Moreover, companies are entering emerging markets, where the demand for advanced pharmaceutical products is rising, which is providing significant growth opportunities.

Enteric Softgel Capsules Market News:

• In October 2023, Evonik launched a functional, ready-to-fill oral capsule designed for use in preclinical trials. EUDRACAP® preclinic enteric is a very small size 9h (5.1 mm), technical-grade capsule suitable for passing through the gastrointestinal tract of preclinical animal models. The enteric-coated capsule enables pharmaceutical companies to optimize drug development by reducing cost, time, and variables during preclinical trials. 
• In July 2023, National Library of Medicine published a report stating results from a trial where sodium alginate (SA), carboxymethyl starch (CMS) and κ-carrageenan (κ-C) were used as matrix materials to form softgel capsules. The results showed that κ-C had strong interaction with CMS and SA, and the mechanical properties of capsule shell were greatly improved by the addition of κ-C. Therefore, the study provided an alternative formula for preparing enteric soft capsules.

Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the enteric softgel capsules market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global enteric softgel capsules market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the enteric softgel capsules industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.