ABSTRACT
The recognition of the potential of lipid-based formulations for improving the gastrointestinal absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs has been a major driver for the development of liquid-filled capsule technology (1-4). Lipid excipients possess a wide range of desirable characteristics, such as broad chemical compatibility, low melting points, surfactant or self-emulsifying properties, and suitability for large-scale manufacture. The increasing application of lipid-based formulations has prompted the production equipment and capsule manufacturers to develop new materials, processing systems, and product formats. Lipid-based capsule formulations are encountered not only in ethical pharmaceutical products but in consumer and “high-end” nutriceutical products as well. The market is therefore diverse and presents numerous technical challenges for the formulation and manufacture of these dosage forms.
