In recent years, innovative drug development has increasingly favored plant-based capsules (such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, HPMC capsules) over traditional gelatin capsules. The main reasons include the following aspects:
Better Drug Compatibility, Avoiding Cross-Linking Reactions
Gelatin capsules are primarily composed of animal collagen, which can react with certain drugs (e.g., aldehyde-containing compounds), leading to delayed dissolution or drug inactivation. In contrast, plant-based capsules (e.g., HPMC) are chemically inert, preventing interactions and improving drug stability and bioavailability.
Lower Moisture Content, Suitable for Sensitive Drugs
Gelatin capsules typically have a moisture content of 12-15%, whereas plant-based capsules (e.g., HPMC) contain only 5-8% moisture. This makes them more suitable for hygroscopic or moisture-sensitive drugs (e.g., certain targeted anti-cancer drugs), reducing the risk of drug degradation.
Broader Compliance and Market Acceptance
Vegetarian and Religious Compliance: Plant-based capsules contain no animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for vegetarians, Muslims (Halal), and Jewish (Kosher) consumers.
Reduced Allergy Risk: Gelatin may trigger animal protein allergies, while plant-based capsules eliminate this concern.
Superior Stability and Storage Adaptability
Resistance to Temperature and Humidity Changes: Plant-based capsules are less prone to softening or sticking in high-temperature, high-humidity environments and less likely to become brittle in low-temperature, low-humidity conditions, whereas gelatin capsules are sensitive to environmental changes.
No Preservatives Needed: Gelatin is prone to microbial growth, requiring preservatives (e.g., parabens) during production, whereas plant-based capsules eliminate the need for preservatives, reducing potential residue risks.
Meeting Personalized Needs of Innovative Drugs
Precision Drug Release: Second-generation plant-based capsules (e.g., HScaps H-C) contain no gelling agents, ensuring more stable dissolution behavior and customizable gastric, enteric, or sustained-release properties, making them ideal for targeted drugs and improved new formulations.
Global Trend: Western markets have widely adopted plant-based capsules, and Chinese innovative pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Hengrui, Chia Tai Tianqing) are accelerating their use to enhance international competitiveness.
Avoiding "Toxic Capsule" Risks
In the past, gelatin capsules faced safety concerns due to adulteration with industrial gelatin (e.g., chromium超标). Plant-based capsules eliminate such risks at the source, aligning with modern pharmaceutical safety standards.
Conclusion
Plant-based capsules, with their higher stability, broader applicability, and superior safety, have become the preferred excipient for innovative drugs (especially targeted therapies, biologics, and high-end generics). As second-generation plant-based capsule (gelling agent-free) technology matures, their market share is expected to expand further
