Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Size, Share, and Trends 2026 to 2035

Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Size and Research

The global enteric softgel capsules market size is calculated at USD 4.01 billion in 2025, grow to USD 4.18 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach around USD 6.04 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.18% from 2026 to 2035. The market is growing due to increasing demand for targeted drug delivery systems that protect active ingredients from stomach acid. Additionally, the rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders is driving their adoption.

Key takeaways

• North America dominated the enteric softgel capsules market revenue shares in 2025.
• Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By application, the health supplements segment dominated the market with a revenue share and is expected to grow at the
• fastest CAGR in the market during the studied years.
• By application, the pharmacy and drug store segment held the largest market share.
• By application, the online providers segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the studied years.

How Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Evolving?

The enteric softgel capsule is a soft gelatin capsule coated with an enteric layer that prevents it from dissolving in the stomach acid, allowing it to release its contents in the intestine. It is used acid acid-sensitive drugs and ensures targeted delivery. The enteric softgel capsule market is evolving rapidly due to advancements in coating technologies, rising demand for targeted drug delivery, and the growing popularity of plant-based capsules. Increased use of nutraceuticals for protecting sensitive ingredients like probiotics and omega-3s is also driving growth. Additionally, the shift toward personalized medicine and the expansion in emerging markets are contributing to the market's development. These factors collectively enhance patient compliance and improve the effectiveness of medications.

• For Instance, As per the World Heart Report 2023, cardiovascular diseases still affect nearly 500 million people worldwide. This rising number of heart-related conditions is a key factor driving the increased demand for soft gelatin capsules, as they offer an effective and convenient drug delivery method for managing such chronic illnesses.

What are the Key trends in the enteric Softgel Capsules Market in 2024?

• In January 2025, Althea introduced its CBD3:THC2 and THC10 softgel formulations, finalizing its product range to include CBD-dominant, balanced, and THC-dominant options, thereby offering a comprehensive selection of cannabinoid-based medicines.
• In December 2025, Strides Pharma and Amneal launched Icosapent ethyl softgel capsules, a generic version of VASCEPA, aimed at treating severe hypertriglyceridemia.

How Can AI Affect the Enteric Softgel Capsules Market?

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the enteric softgel capsules market by enhancing formulation development, improving quality control, and accelerating drug discovery. AI helps identify optimal ingredient combinations and coating materials, ensuring better stability and targeted release. It also enables real-time monitoring during manufacturing for consistent product quality. Additionally, AI supports personalized medicine by tailoring softgel formulations to individual needs and improves market forecasting, helping companies better manage demand and inventory. This leads to greater efficiency and innovation in the industry.

Report Scope of Enteric Softgel Capsules Market

Market Dynamics

Driver

Rising Demand for Targeted and Controlled Drug Delivery

The increasing preference for and controlled drug delivery is a major factor fueling the growth of the enteric softgel capsule market. These capsules are designed to bypass the stomach and dissolve in the intestine, ensuring precise and effective delivery of active ingredients. BY protecting drugs from gastric degradation and reducing adverse effects, they enhance therapeutic results and support better adherence to treatment, especially for long-term and specialized medication used in both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Restraint

High Production Cost and Complex Manufacturing Process

The production of enteric softgel capsules involves sophisticated techniques and high-grade materials, which make the process costly and technically demanding. Achieving accurate pH-sensitive coating and maintaining product consistency requires advanced machinery and skilled personnel. Moreover, the need for strict regulatory compliance and controlled manufacturing environments adds to operational complexity. These challenges increase overall costs and limit the ability of small and mid-sized manufacturers to compete, thereby acting as a barrier to broader market expansion.

Opportunity

Growing Demand for Plant-based and Vegan Capsule Alternatives

The increasing shift towards a plant-based lifestyle is creating new growth avenues in the enteric softgel capsule market. Consumers are becoming more conscious about the origin of health supplements, preferring options that align with vegan, vegetarian, and religious dietary requirements. This trend is encouraging for softgel production. By offering plant-derived enteric capsules, companies can expand their market reach, meet clean-label demands, and strengthen their position in the evolving nutraceutical and pharmaceutical landscape.

Segmental Insights

How will the Health Supplements Segment Dominate the Enteric Softgel Capsules Market in 2025?

The health supplements segment leads the market due to increasing health consciousness and the widespread use of enteric softgel capsules for delivering nutrients that are sensitive to stomach acid. These capsules help ensure active ingredients reach the intestine intact, improving their effectiveness. The convenience, ease of swallowing, and demand for high-quality dietary products are pushing more consumers towards softgel-based supplements, which is driving both strong revenue performance and rapid growth in the market.

Why Did the Pharmacy and Drug Store Segment Dominate the Market in 2025?

The pharmacy and drug store segment captured the largest market share for enteric softgel capsules due to their strong distribution networks, frequent consumer footfall, and the ability to provide both prescription and non-prescription products. These outlets are often the first point of access for health solutions, making them ideal for the sale of supplements and medications in enteric softgel form. Their established relationships with healthcare providers and consumers further their role in driving sales within this market.

The online provider segment is growing at the fastest rate due to the rising adoption of e-commerce platforms for healthcare purchases and the increasing use of smartphones and internet access. Consumers are drawn to the ease of ordering supplements and medications online, often with doorstep delivery and attractive discounts. The availability of a wide range of enteric softgel products and the shift towards digital health solutions are further accelerating the growth of the market.

By Regional Insights

How is North America Contributing to the Expansion of the Enteric Softgel Capsules Market?

North America dominated the market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, substantial healthcare spending, and high consumer awareness regarding health and wellness.  The region's strong pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, coupled with a growing aging population and prevalence of chronic diseases, have increased demand for targeted drug delivery systems like enteric softgels.  Additionally, the presence of major capsule manufacturers and favorable regulatory environments has further solidified North America's leading position in the market.  

How is Asia-Pacific approaching the enteric Softgel Capsules Market in 2025?

Asia-Pacific is set to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market due to rising healthcare needs, rapid urbanization, and increasing investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The growing middle-class population, along with a shift toward preventive healthcare and dietary supplements, is boosting demand for innovative drug delivery formats. Additionally, favorable government initiatives and expanding online healthcare retail in countries like India, China, and Southeast Asia are further accelerating regional market growth.

Some of The Prominent Players in The Enteric Softgel Capsules Market Include:

• Basf SE
• Catalent, Inc.
• Colorcon, Inc.
• Fuji Capsules Co., Ltd.
• Procaps
• Now Foods Inc.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (Patheon)
• Sirio Pharma Co., LTD
• Super Spectrim
• Osmotica Pharmaceuticals plc. (Trigen Laboratories)

Recent Developments in the Enteric Softgel Capsules Market

• In June 2025, Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical firm Lee Health Domain launched “D-Macula” Soft Gel Capsules, a new dietary supplement aimed at treating macular degeneration and various eye infections. The formulation combines powerful phytonutrients like Ashwagandha, Goghrita, Shallaki, Zeaxanthin, Triphala, Beta Carotene, and Saffron, all extracted using Desi Cow Ghee to preserve their potency. According to Director Ms. Leela Rani, the capsules help relieve eye inflammation, dryness, and irritation, and also support diabetic retinopathy care. They are available via prescriptions and online platforms.
• In December 2024, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Strides Pharma, launched Icosapent ethyl acid softgel capsules (0.5g and 1g), a generic version of VASCEPA®. This product, licensed from Strides, is used alongside dietary changes to lower high triglyceride levels (≥500 mg/dL) in adults. Amneal highlighted this launch as part of its broader plan to introduce over 40 new products in 2023, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its essential medicine portfolio.

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2035. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the enteric softgel sapsules market.

By Application

• Health Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarket and Hypermarket
• Pharmacy and Drug Store
• Online

By Regional

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)