Softgels: Consumer perceptions and market impact relative to other oral dosage forms

Abstract

Softgels, which contain a liquid formulation of a drug, often provide clinical benefit over other solid oral dosage forms and may represent an attractive alternative to them. A consumer preference survey of softgels versus other solid forms investigated four areas: (1) identification of various dosage forms; (2) perception of therapeutic benefit (easiest to swallow, faster-acting, work longer); (3) impact of individual product characteristics on overall product selection; and (4) market impact in terms of premiums consumers would pay on the basis of dosage form. The 300 survey participants strongly preferred clear softgels over other dosage forms in virtually every area. Softgels were perceived as easy to swallow and fast-acting, with a duration of action second only to that of a two-piece capsule. Overall preference was driven by ease of swallowing, and softgels were rated first by the majority of respondents. Consumers would be interested in various products if these were available as softgels rather than in their current oral dosage forms and may be willing to pay a premium for softgel products. This survey confirms consumer preferences for particular dosage forms and for softgels over other solid forms. Pharmaceutical scientists and marketers should consider softgels as alternative dosage forms when developing new compounds or considering life-cycle management of existing products.

Pharmaceutical followers

“…tablets and capsules) are generally preferred, but some patients might not find them easy to swallow, and also note that different patients can have different sensitivities to inactive ingredients (which can vary across forms). Jones and Francis (2000) find that, when comparing tablets to capsules, the relative ease of swallowing, perceived speeds of action, and perceived durations of action can all vary from patient-to-patient. As the authors conclude, "consumers have preferences for particular dosage forms."…”

Review and analysis of FDA approved drugs using lipid-based formulations

“…Soft capsules are the utilized dosage form for 25 of 36 lipid formulations, 6 products are hard shell capsules, and 5 are oral solutions, The advantages of soft capsules have been extensively documented elsewhere [9,10]. The introduction of Neoral V R in 1995 is a widely cited example illustrating how a self-emulsifying system (the first IIIA LFCS product) can address clinical concerns and result in a product providing a better treatment for patients.…”

Curcumin phytosomal softgel formulation: Development, optimization and physicochemical characterization

“…From the industrial point of view, this technology is benefi cial since it minimizes potential generation of dust during manufacturing and thereby improves the safety of production personnel (17,18). Soft gels have received enormous consumer acceptance due to the ease of swallowing and unpleasant taste masking (19). Use of formulations containing natural and/or synthetic lipids in addition to excipients with reported bioactive eff ect on metabolism could provide a good opportunity to manage the poor gastrointestinal absorption associated with CUR.…”