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Tablets & Capsules September 2018 37 S nology and process have been refined over the years, the basic manufacturing principle remains the same. Two flat polymer ribbons composed of gelatin, water, an opacifier, and a plasticizer are passed between two rotating dies. The dies form the ribbons into mating capsule shell halves while a pump inserts a solution (called a liquid fill) that contains an oil-soluble API. The machine then seals the shells and cuts out the filled capsules. Softgels allow for the rapid absorption of APIs and generally require lower excipient amounts than tablets. Additionally, modern technologies allow for the produc- tion of softgels in a variety of shapes, colors, finishes, and flavors, which can aid in product differentiation, customer Softgel capsules (or softgels) allow manufacturers to effectively deliver poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This article discusses the benefits of using softgels as well as the manufacturing and handling considerations to keep in mind before selecting this dosage form. oftgels have been available since 1935 when Robert Pauli Scherer patented the rotary die encapsulation pro- cess [1]. Since then, softgels have been used by the phar- maceutical industry for many applications, including the effective delivery of poorly soluble APIs. While the tech- Are softgels right for your product? Tomasz Bokas Saneca Pharma softgels