Licaps^®

A majority of consumers take some type of dietary supplement; however, they continue to be concerned about efficacy and absorption. Focus groups conducted for Capsugel, a division of Pfizer, found that many consumers believe that liquids are both more gentle and easier to absorb than other delivery systems. This interest led to development of the new Licaps^® visible liquid capsules concept.

In fact, a nationwide product concept test was conducted to quantitatively measure consumer interest inLicaps. The study confirmed that consumers connected their perceived benefits of liquids with the Licaps supplements. Of those surveyed, 74 percent of participants who chose Licaps said they would purchase their supplements in that dosage form, if it was available. "The nationwide consumer survey we conducted showed a very strong preference for this delivery system," said Hal Goff, Capsugel's director of global marketing. "Consumers have very positive perceptions of liquids, especially when they can see the liquid flowing inside a two-piece capsule." Also, one-quarter of respondents indicated a willingness to pay more forLicaps.
In addition to the consumer research, Capsugel's newly formed Capsugel Liquid Group invested significant product development and research dollars into the Licaps launch. According to the company, the Licaps research and development team included 20 engineers, technicians and Ph.D.s. The team first developed the LEMS™ (Liquid Encapsulation Microspray Sealing) technology. This technology allows liquids to be contained with an invisible seal, which eliminates the need for banding. Licaps are made of natural gelatin to quickly release the liquid contents, facilitating effective absorption. The encapsulation also makes the supplements easy to swallow and can mask unpleasant tastes or odors. Various materials and excipients were then tested in Licaps form to ensure compatibility. The three- to four-week rapid screening process was used to create a library of qualified formation materials for use by Capsugel and its customers.
Additional testing on the pre-filled standard Licaps line focused on maintaining the physical stability of the liquid formation by providing analytical assays showing a two-year shelf life. Physical stability issues were addressed with the development of fine particle herbal suspension. Capsugel tested shelf life by storing samples for three months at 40 C and 75 percent humidity. The company is in the process of accumulating shelf life data over six months at these parameters.
A Licaps encapsulation plant has just opened in Colmar, France. The facility will cater to formulating, sourcing, manufacturing, filling and sealing of the Licaps system, as well as offer on-site research and development resources for formulations and technical support. The new facility and extensive product testing support Capsugel's launch in the contract manufacturing field.
Companies interested in bringing new products to market with minimal development costs can explore the pre-filled Licaps line. The existing product line offers several benefits to manufacturers, including no capital investment, minimal start-up costs, immediate availability and an attractive pricing structure. The standard product line includes a range of top-selling herbal and dietary supplements, including saw palmetto, St. John'swort, kava, ginkgo biloba, echinacea, GMO-free lecithin, CoQ10, evening primrose oil and more. According to the company, manufacturers can take immediate advantage of the Licaps products to build brand differentiation in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Custom formulations, turnkey manufacturing and raw material sourcing are also available. Capsugel can fill bulk liquids supplied by a manufacturer, or assist with a full-service manufacturing program including formulation support, raw material sourcing and testing to ensure product compatibility withLicaps.
"We strive to partner with manufacturers to meet their needs in ways that are convenient and cost-effective for both parties," said AlGabor, Capsugel's vice president and general manager for the Americas region. "This is true not only inour manufacturing arrangements, but also in the marketing tools we provide to customers."
To assist in brand recognition, Capsugel has launched its own consumer and trade campaign. The consumer campaign focuses on the visible, liquid aspect of the delivery system using the "Thirsty for Nutrients" tagline. Capsugel will also allow marketing partners to use the Licaps name and logo on their products and utilize brand-building Licaps imagery in their advertising and marketing materials. Joint co-promotional campaigns may also include retailer education, media advertising, an Internet link from the Capsugel site to other key sites, and on-going market research.
The Licaps launch is only the most recent one for Capsugel, one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of two-piece hardshell capsules in the world. Capsugel follows current Good Manufacturing Practices(cGMPs) and has been in business for more than 125 years. The company is online atwww.capsugel.com.