Comprehensive Snapshot of Enteric Empty Capsules Market Research Report, Including Regional and Country Analysis in Brief.
Industry: Healthcare
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
ID: PMRREP34728
Last Updated: 20 June 2025
Number of Pages: 189
The global enteric empty capsules market size is likely to be valued at US$ 3.1 billion in 2025 and is estimated to value at US$ 4.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% in the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.
Enteric capsules were developed to protect sensitive drugs from the acidic fluids in the stomach. These drugs are designed to get absorbed in the metabolism effectively. For medications that are likely to be degraded by stomach acid or irritate the stomach lining, enteric empty capsules function as stealth agents, ensuring the safe delivery of such drugs into the intestines. Currently, pharmaceutical companies are significantly investing in the clinical R&D and the increasing incidence of gastrointestinal disorders are the major factors contributing to the enteric empty capsules market growth.
Key Industry Highlights
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Attributes |
Key Insights |
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Market Size (2024E) |
US$ 3.1Bn |
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Projected Market Value (2031F) |
US$ 4.6 Bn |
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Forecast Growth Rate (CAGR 2024 to 2031) |
6% |
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Historical Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023) |
7.5% |
The prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) has been increasing worldwide over the past few years. A multinational study conducted in 2021 by the Rome Foundation found that over 40% of people around the world suffered from FGIDs, which significantly affect their quality of life. Moreover, lifestyle-linked conditions such as acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome are also becoming increasingly common. Enteric empty capsules play a pivotal role in managing these conditions by effectively delivering sensitive medications to the intestines and reducing the severity of such disorders. These drug delivery systems are also highly demanded by an increasing number of elderly people around the world, who are afflicted with a variety of gastric and digestive conditions.
The enteric empty capsules market growth is likely to be hindered due to communities leaning toward plant-based drug alternatives. The most used capsule coating is gelatin, which is an animal-based material and is therefore unaccepted by new-age consumers, patients, and healthcare professionals. Moreover, some consumers also deal with dietary and religious restrictions that forbid them from consuming animal-based products. This directly impact the demand for enteric empty capsules and medications. In addition, companies are spending large sums of money to maintain the quality of drugs to ensure a steady supply of raw materials. These supply-side challenges are anticipated to subdue the enteric capsules market growth.
Technological innovations in capsule manufacturing, such as enhanced coating techniques and precision delivery of capsules, are strengthening the market prospects. For example, in May 2025, ACG, the multinational pharmaceutical company, launched the first-of-its-kind personalized capsule machine for precision-engineered delivery of supplement capsules for individual needs. Such advancements are diversifying the market and providing a wide spectrum of medication options for patients as well as healthcare professionals. In addition to this, growing awareness among consumers about new pharmaceutical products is also expected to further accelerate the enteric empty capsules market.
By product, the enteric capsules market has been divided into gelatin capsules, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules, and vegetable capsules. The gelatin capsules segment accounted for a dominant 61.40% market share in 2024. The widespread application of gelatin to coat capsules to deliver drugs that are sensitive to gastric acid is a major growth factor. Gelatin-based capsules are known for their strong capability in targeted drug, and their dominance is being further reinforced by the growing demand for precision therapeutics and controlled-release formulations. In early 2024, for example, Suheung Co. introduced gelatin-based capsules with embedded probiotics for targeted gut-health improvement and enhanced probiotic stability. Pharmaceutical companies are also optimizing these capsules for better bioavailability and reduced dosing frequency.
Based on end-user, this market has been segregated into pharmaceutical industry, nutraceutical industry, and others. Among these, the pharmaceutical industry dominated the enteric empty capsules market with a share of 68.70% in 2024. Pharmaceutical companies are equipped with advanced R&D capabilities and regulatory expertise, positioning them strongly to meet the growing need for targeted drug delivery systems. The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, coupled with the rising demand for improved bioavailability and reduced side effects of medications, further fuels the adoption of enteric empty capsules and benefits pharma companies. While nutraceuticals are beginning to adopt enteric capsules for probiotics and herbal supplements, pharmaceutical firms maintain a stronghold due to their leadership in innovation and compliance and their robust capacity to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape.
North America, is likely to account for 42.4% of the enteric empty capsules market share in 2025. The dominance is attributed to a growing emphasis on targeted drug delivery systems that enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. The rising incidence of gastrointestinal disorders is primarily fueling the demand for enteric capsules in the region. A study led by researchers from the University of North Carolina revealed that over 40 million people in the US suffer from digestive diseases, resulting in millions of clinical visits annually. This growing prevalence of GI disorders is prompting the formulation of these capsules by pharmaceutical manufacturers for their ability to safeguard active ingredients from gastric degradation, ensuring controlled release in the intestine. As innovation in capsule formulation and biocompatible materials advances, North America is expected to remain a key hub for enteric capsule development and adoption.
In Europe, the demand for enteric empty capsules is gaining momentum due to a deepening focus on pharmaceutical innovation, regulatory compliance, and patient-centric drug delivery systems. The region already benefits from a well-established healthcare infrastructure, making it a global stronghold for meeting a growing demand for acid-resistant capsule formulations that support targeted release in the intestine. Furthermore, European pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in plant-based and gelatin-free enteric capsules to align their strategies with the rising consumer preference for clean-label and vegetarian products. Additionally, supportive policies from regulatory bodies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are encouraging the development of advanced capsule technologies in the region.
Asia Pacific is speedily emerging as a high-growth region in the enteric empty capsules market, backed by increasing healthcare awareness, robust pharmaceutical production, and rising demand for nutraceuticals. Large Asian economies, mainly China and India, are witnessing a surge in gastrointestinal disorders, prompting greater adoption of enteric capsules for acid-sensitive medications. Its strong manufacturing capabilities and cost-effective production models are attracting global capsule manufacturers in the region. Moreover, the growing middle-income population and shift toward preventive healthcare are boosting demand for dietary supplements encapsulated in enteric packaging, making Asia Pacific a key contributor to future market expansion.
The global enteric empty capsules market players are employing several strategies to gain a competitive edge in the enteric empty capsules market. While some companies are merging with or acquiring competitors to expand their product portfolios, others are entering into strategic partnerships to leverage each other’s market position and resources. New product launches and investments in R&D operations are also emerging as common strategies in the market for enteric empty capsules.
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Report Attribute |
Details |
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Historical Data/Actuals |
2019 - 2024 |
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Forecast Period |
2025 - 2032 |
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Market Analysis Units |
Value: US$ Bn/Mn, Volume: As Applicable |
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Geographical Coverage |
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Segmental Coverage |
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Competitive Analysis |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization and Pricing |
Available upon request |
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The market is projected to reach US$ 3.1 Billion in 2025.
The rising incidence of gastrointestinal disorders and an increasing geriatric population are the key market drivers.
The market is poised to witness a CAGR of 6.0% from 2025 to 2032.
Advancements in capsule manufacturing and growing awareness about enteric capsules among consumers and healthcare professionals are key market opportunities.
Lonza Group AG, Roquette Frères, and Suheung Capsule are some of the key players in the market.
