Enteric Coated and Controlled Release Tablets and Capsules Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

Market Overview

The global enteric coated and controlled release tablets and capsules market size was valued at USD 54.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach from USD 57.99 million in 2025 to USD 96.70 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period (2025-2033). 

Tablets constitute about 90% of the total oral route of administration, which is why it is extensively used to treat several diseases. It is coated with gelatin and HPMC for increasing the shelf life and controlling sustained dosage release. Thereby, the enteric-coated and controlled-release tablets and capsules market is segmented into HPMC coating and gelatin coating. The capsule is popularly used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors for its bioavailability properties. It is easily digestible, covers unpleasant drug odor and taste, causes fast relief, has a longer shelf life, and is available in both hard and soft capsules for drug delivery.

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Market Dynamics

Rising Pharmaceutical Production Activities to Drive the Market Growth

In the last few years, the overall pharmaceutical production has increased significantly on account of the growing prevalence of infectious diseases, hyperacidity, irritable bowel disorders, cardiac diseases, neurological diseases, hormonal and dermatological conditions, and inflammatory diseases across the globe. Additionally, China, India, Argentina, Peru, Egypt, Cairo, and Brazil offer cheap labor, low-cost raw material, advanced manufacturing technologies, and favorable regulations. This is further grabbing the attention of leading pharmaceutical manufacturers to establish robust manufacturing facilities in the field of enteric-coated and controlled-release tablets and capsules market. Moreover, the demand for over-the-counter sales of capsules and tablets is witnessing a significant surge due to the increasing awareness regarding enteric-coated and controlled-release tablets and capsules.

Benefits of Enteric Coated and Controlled-Release Tablets and Capsules

Enteric-coated capsules and tablets are intricately designed for controlling the immediate release of the medication in the body and are coated with gelatin or HPMC. It offers a number of benefits over conventional tablets and capsules and prevents its dissolution in the mouth and esophagus, ultimately increasing the efficacy of the drug. In addition to this, it enables the easy administration of time-sensitive medication in the body. For the record, some drugs cause irritation in the stomach if released in a higher pH, which is further boosting the demand for controlled release tablets and capsules.

Regional Analysis

Presence of Advanced Technology and Robust Manufacturing Facilities to Drive North America’s Market Growth

North America leads the tablet part of the enteric-coated and controlled-release tablets and capsules market. The region is backed with the presence of leading market players, advanced technology, and umpteen robust manufacturing facilities. The manufacturers in the region are adopting several strategies, such as strategic pricing, to sustain in the raging market competition. Additionally, the population is shifting towards the adoption of tablets as they are highly effective than other treatment options.

Increasing the prevalence of gastric diseases and cardiological and neurological disorders is boosting the market growth to some extent. In the region, the growing prevalence of gastric disorders and inflammatory bowel disease can be attributed to the rising consumption of alcohol and drugs. As per the CDC, in 2015, around 3 million people (1.3%) suffered from inflammatory bowel disease.

South America to Witness Lucrative Growth Rate in the Market

South America is emerging in the enteric-coated and controlled release tablet and capsule market on account of growing industrialization. The region is offering cheap labor, an abundance of low-cost raw materials, and a favorable regulatory environment, which is further grabbing the attention of leading manufacturers. Whereas, in the Middle East and Africa, the enteric-coated and controlled-release tablets and capsules market is likely to witness significant growth in the years to come. This can be attributed to the increasing investments by key players for the establishment of robust manufacturing facilities, which is expected to change the market scenario during the forecast period.

In Africa, the pharmaceutical sector is dependent on the import of tablets and capsules, which comprises of over 77% of the total drug consumption in Africa. To attend to the situation, the governments in the region are taking vital steps for encouraging the local pharmaceutical manufacturers for the production of enteric-coated and controlled-release tablets and capsules, which is expected to support the market growth during the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

Rising Use of Gelatin in the Medical Sector to Drive the Market Growth

Globally, the demand for gelatin capsules is growing at a significant rate on account of the increasing prevalence of severe and life-threatening diseases, rising healthcare expenditure, and the rapidly growing consumption of medicines for several treatments. It is gaining huge popularity among the patients to administer the drugs with an unpleasant odor. In line with the growing demand, leading market players are engaging in strategic collaborations for manufacturing gelatin capsules to sustain in the cut-throat competition. Other factors responsible for the market growth include rising demand for gelatin capsules in the nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors, increasing clinical trial testing, shifting consumer preference, and growing geriatric population.

hpmc Segment to Lead the Market Growth during the Forecast Period

The consumers are inclining towards the adoption of controlled-release tablet dosage form due to the proper use of plasticizer, polymer concentration, application rates and method, and excellent finish. HPMC is compatible with pigment, colors, and dyes, capable of forming a clear coating, and resistant to microbial attack. Additionally, the capability of HPMC in preventing microbial contamination is likely to boost the market growth.

rising Demand for Vitamins and Dietary Supplements to Drive the Market Growth

In the last few years, the population across the globe is significantly shifting towards a healthy lifestyle, which is subsequently boosting the demand for vitamins and dietary supplements in capsule and tablets form. Moreover, the heavy use of fertilizers and degrading nutritional content in natural and daily food products in emerging countries, such as India, Bangladesh, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, and Peru, is boosting the demand for external vitamins and dietary supplements. The vitamins and dietary supplements are coated with gelatin and HPMC as they are sensitive to moisture and heat, which is further boosting the market growth

List of key players in Enteric Coated and Controlled Release Tablets and Capsules Market

1. Lonza
2. CapsulCN International Co., Ltd.
3. NATURAL CAPSULES LIMITED
4. CapsCanada
5. Suheung Co., Ltd.
6. GFR Pharma, ACG
7. Shaanxi Genex Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.
8. GELITA AG
9. Colorcon and Almac Group

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Recent Developments

• In August 2019, ACG Group acquired pharma processing equipment provider Xertecs GmbH
• In October 2018, Genex, the leading manufacturer, and supplier of two-piece vegetarian capsules, launched Pullulan capsules.