Enteric Empty Capsules Market - By Product, By Application, By Capsule Size, By End Use - Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Enteric Empty Capsules Market Size

The global enteric empty capsules market size was estimated at USD 2.7 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 2.9 billion in 2025 to USD 5.2 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 6.9%. The market is witnessing robust growth primarily driven by the rising demand for novel drug delivery systems that enable targeted and delayed release of active pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredients.
 

These capsules play a critical role in protecting sensitive compounds from degradation in the acidic environment of the stomach, ensuring their effective release in the intestinal tract. This functionality is especially vital in treating gastrointestinal disorders and delivering acid-sensitive medications, contributing to increased adoption across various therapeutic segments.
 

The expanding application of enteric capsules in formulations such as antibiotics, antacids, and enzyme-based therapies is transforming their relevance in modern drug delivery strategies. Moreover, the increasing focus on personalized medicine and patient-centric formulations is accelerating the shift towards enteric capsules due to their formulation flexibility and compatibility with a broad spectrum of active ingredients. This makes them ideal for customized therapies.
 

In the nutraceutical sector, enteric capsules are gaining popularity in dietary supplements, particularly in products containing probiotics, herbal extracts, and enzymes, as they offer enhanced stability and efficacy. According to the CDC (2023), approximately 57.6% of U.S. adults aged 20 and above consume dietary supplements, highlighting a strong potential for enteric capsule adoption. Furthermore, as reported by Statista, the widespread use of antibiotics which is consumed by over 46% of the global population, continues to bolster market growth.
 

Consumer preference is also shifting towards clean-label and vegetarian solutions, encouraging manufacturers to invest in HPMC-based enteric capsules, which cater to vegan and health-conscious segments. In addition, government initiatives and public-private partnerships aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and affordability are positively influencing market dynamics.
 

Enteric empty capsules are specially engineered with a pH-sensitive coating that withstands stomach acidity and dissolves only in the higher pH environment of the small intestine, ensuring precise delivery of active ingredients. The market encompasses a critical segment within the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, focused on the development, production, and distribution of capsule shells that enable safe, effective, and targeted drug delivery, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
 

Enteric Empty Capsules Market Trends

• The market is expanding due to increasing demand for advanced drug delivery systems and the need for targeted gastrointestinal therapies.
   
• The market is further supported by the shift toward precision dosing and enhanced bioavailability in both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. These capsules enable controlled intestinal release, promoting therapeutic efficacy.
   
• Additionally, the demand for personalized medicine and patient-centric treatments is driving innovation in capsule design, as enteric capsules are used to control release timing, dosage, and ingredient combinations.
   
• Technological advancements such as multi-layer coating and pH-sensitive polymer integration are improving capsule performance, particularly in delivering enzymes, probiotics, and biologics with greater precision.
   
• Further, the adoption of AI-enabled digital manufacturing and quality control platforms is transforming production processes. These technologies help monitor coating uniformity, optimize batch performance, and ensure compliance, leading to enhanced efficiency and reduced operational costs.
   

Enteric Empty Capsules Market Analysis

In 2021, the global market was valued at USD 2.3 billion. The following year, it saw a slight increase to USD 2.4 billion, and by 2023, the market further climbed to USD 2.6 billion.
 

Based on product, the global market is segmented into gelatin capsules and non-gelatin capsules. The gelatin segment accounted for the highest market share and was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2024.
 

• The widespread availability and cost-effectiveness of gelatin capsules have positioned them as the most commonly used option for enteric empty capsules. Derived from animal collagen, gelatin offers superior film-forming properties, making it ideal for large-scale capsule production.
   
• This has led to their extensive adoption in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, particularly in applications where vegetarian preferences are not a primary concern.
   
• Gelatin capsules also offer regulatory ease and manufacturing flexibility, making them a preferred choice for many companies due to their safety, ease of processing, and broad compatibility with active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
   
• Leading manufacturers such as Lonza and ACG continue to invest in innovations for gelatin-based enteric capsules, expanding their use in acid-sensitive and delayed-release formulations, and offering a viable alternative to more expensive or niche capsule types.

Based on application, the global enteric empty capsules market is categorized into antacid and antiflatulent preparations, antibiotic and antibacterial drugs and other applications. The antibiotic and antibacterial drugs segment dominated the market with 43.5% market share in 2024.
 

• The extensive use of antibiotics for treating infectious diseases has driven a notable rise in the demand for enteric capsules, which protect active pharmaceutical ingredients from degradation in the stomach.
   
• Since many antibiotics are acid-sensitive and require intestinal delivery for effective absorption, enteric capsules have become a preferred delivery method in the pharmaceutical sector. As reported by PNAs, over 15.2 defined daily doses per 1,000 people per day have been recorded globally.
   
• The growing global burden of bacterial infections has led to a surge in antibiotic prescriptions. According to Reactgroup, more than 7.7 million deaths were linked to infections caused by just 33 bacterial species, further underscoring the need for effective drug delivery solutions like enteric capsules.
   
• Enteric capsules not only enhance bioavailability and reduce gastrointestinal side effects but also mask the unpleasant taste of antibiotics, thereby improving patient adherence and overall treatment effectiveness.
   
• Their broad compatibility with various antibacterial agents has further propelled market growth. These capsules support the encapsulation of diverse antibiotic classes while maintaining drug stability and efficacy, boosting the use of both branded and generic antibiotic formulations.
   

Based on capsule size, the global enteric empty capsules market is divided into size 00, size 0, size 1 and other capsule size. The size 0 segment dominated the market in 2024 and was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2024.
 

• Size 0 enteric empty capsules strike an ideal balance between fill capacity and ease of consumption, making them a preferred choice for both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies. Their size allows for effective encapsulation of active pharmaceutical ingredients, particularly those requiring protection from stomach acid, while still being easy for consumers to swallow.
   
• Also, the growing popularity of dietary supplements and functional foods is boosting the use of size 0 capsules in the nutraceutical space. With consumers seeking natural, preventive health solutions, enteric capsules provide an effective means of delivering sensitive ingredients like probiotics, enzymes, and herbal extracts.
   
• Known for their versatility and reliability, size 0 capsules offer a consumer-friendly format that aligns with expectations for efficacy, safety, and convenience, further driving their adoption in both therapeutic and wellness applications.
   

Based on end use, the global enteric empty capsules market is categorized into pharmaceutical companies, nutraceutical manufacturers and other end users. The pharmaceutical companies segment dominated the market in 2024 and is anticipated to witness growth at a CAGR of 6.8%.
 

• The widespread integration of enteric capsules in drug development has established pharmaceutical companies as the primary end users. The global rise in pharma start-ups and established firms has accelerated demand for enteric capsules, which are critical for delivering acid-sensitive APIs, particularly in antibiotics, enzyme therapies, and anti-inflammatory treatments.
   
• Pharmaceutical firms also possess the infrastructure and regulatory capabilities necessary to develop and scale enteric capsule formulations. Their ability to conduct clinical trials, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage complex manufacturing and distribution networks gives them a distinct competitive advantage.
   
• Furthermore, the growing demand for advanced drug delivery technologies has driven greater adoption of enteric capsules in pharma pipelines. These capsules enable controlled release, targeted delivery, and enhanced bioavailability, aligning with the industry's ongoing shift toward precision medicine and patient-centric treatment models.

The North America enteric empty capsules market dominated the global market with a market share of 40.9% in 2024
 

The U.S. market was valued at USD 829.2 million and USD 877.6 million in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The market size reached USD 986.8 million in 2024, growing from USD 930 million in 2023.
 

• The region experiences high rates of gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and acid reflux, affecting over 60-70 million people, according to the NIH.
   
• There is also a widespread shift toward preventive health and wellness, reflected by the high supplement intake, with over 170 million U.S. adults (71%) using dietary supplements including probiotics, enzymes, and omega-3s, which require enteric protection.
   
• The regulatory clarity from agencies like the FDA and USDA also encourages faster development and adoption of innovative drug delivery technologies such as pH-dependent and delayed-release capsules.
   
• Leading pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies in the U.S. are increasing R&D investments in oral biologics, personalized medicine, and gut health products, further accelerating the market.
   

Europe enteric empty capsules market accounted for USD 628.2 million in 2024 and is anticipated to show considerable growth over the forecast period.
 

• The region benefits from an established pharmaceutical ecosystem, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK housing leading capsule manufacturers and formulation labs.
   
• The adoption of vegetarian, clean-label capsules is gaining momentum, especially among health-conscious consumers in Scandinavia, Germany, and the Netherlands.
   
• Rising cases of colorectal diseases, aging populations, and lifestyle-induced gastrointestinal issues further contribute to enteric capsule adoption.
   
• Regulatory bodies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are promoting patient-friendly formulations, supporting innovations in multi-layer enteric coating technologies and microencapsulation.
   

Germany enteric empty capsules market is anticipated to witness considerable growth over the analysis period.
 

• With 22.3% of the population aged 65 and above, the growing demand for chronic disease therapies supports the use of multi-drug enteric capsules.
   
• The country is a major exporter of pharmaceuticals, and enteric capsules are increasingly used in high-value formulations intended for international markets.
   
• German companies are also focusing on sustainable and biodegradable capsule innovations, aligning with EU environmental directives.
   

The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.2% during the analysis timeframe.
 

• The region is witnessing a surge in chronic gastrointestinal conditions, especially in India and Southeast Asia, driven by diet, pollution, and healthcare transitions.
   
• Governments in countries such as China, India, and Japan are making significant investments in pharma innovation, public healthcare expansion, and clinical trials, boosting demand for advanced capsule technologies.
   
• Increasing out-of-pocket healthcare spending and expanding middle-class income levels are creating a shift toward self-care, functional foods, and preventive supplements.
   
• Global manufacturers are setting up manufacturing hubs and R&D centers in Asia, offering cost efficiencies and faster product turnaround.
   

China enteric empty capsules market is predicted to grow significantly over the forecast period.
 

• With an 81.1% prevalence of chronic disease (NIH), the demand for acid-resistant oral dosage forms is high.
   
• TCM-based enzyme and herbal formulations are increasingly encapsulated in enteric capsules to preserve bioactivity and improve palatability.
   
• China’s pharmaceutical exports accounted for USD 12.2 billion in 2024, reinforcing its position as a global manufacturing and supply hub. This indicates a growing product demand, thereby augmenting the country level market.
   
• Initiatives like "Healthy China 2030" are encouraging innovation in drug delivery systems and expanding access to enteric capsule technology across public health institutions.
   

Brazil is experiencing significant growth in the Latin America enteric empty capsules market due to the increasing demand for advanced drug delivery systems in pharmaceutical care.
 

• The government is promoting awareness campaigns to improve access to preventive healthcare in underserved and low-income areas, increasing uptake of cost-effective, enteric capsule-based medications.
   
• With growing investment in local drug manufacturing, the demand for enteric capsules for antibiotics, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs is expanding.
   
• Brazil also has an increasing base of supplement consumers, especially for digestive health and wellness, aligning with the global clean-label and natural health trends.
   

Saudi Arabia enteric empty capsules market is poised to witness substantial growth in Middle East and Africa market during the forecast period.
 

• The demand for halal-certified and plant-based enteric capsules is growing, particularly in the nutraceutical and OTC product segments.
   
• The government’s Vision 2030 strategy promotes domestic pharmaceutical production and encourages the adoption of advanced drug delivery platforms, including enteric capsules.
   
• Saudi consumers are increasingly inclined toward natural, plant-based, and allergen-free formulations, aligning with global clean-label trends.
   
• Partnerships with multinational pharmaceutical companies are helping to bring innovative enteric technologies into hospital and retail settings, accelerating adoption across therapeutic areas like diabetes, gut health, and enzyme therapies.
   

Enteric Empty Capsules Market Share

Competition in the enteric empty capsules industry is marked by well-established companies, emerging firms and local players fighting to capture a larger share of the market. The top 5 players such as Lonza, Roquette Frères, Suheung, CapsCanada and ACG Worldwide account for approximately 35% of the global market. These key players focus on various strategies such as acquisitions, business expansion and novel product launches to consolidate their market presence.
 

Additionally, there are several local and regional players operating in the market who are boosting competition by providing affordable options at lower costs. These players are also involved in several strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and novel product launches to expand their product offerings.
 

Enteric Empty Capsules Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the enteric empty capsules industry includes:

• ACG Worldwide
• Bright Pharma Caps
• CapsCanada
• Capsuline
• Chemcaps
• Fortcaps Healthcare
• Lonza
• Natural Capsules
• Qingdao Yiqing
• Roquette Frères
• Shaoxing Zhongya Capsule
• Suheung
• Yiyang Pharma
• Zhejiang Huili Capsules

• Lonza develops acid-resistant capsules, which doesn’t require external coatings, offers consistent release of active ingredients in the intestine. These capsule technologies support drug delivery across all development stages, such as pre-clinical testing to commercial production. The formulation process ensures compatibility with sensitive pharmaceuticals, enhancing efficiency and safety in manufacturing.
   
• ACG Worldwide offers advanced capsule production solutions that integrate real-time health data to enable personalized dosing based on individual biomarkers. Their automated formulation capabilities allow for precise customization of supplements and medications. Additionally, the use of vegan, microplastic-free materials with controlled-release technology enhances both bioavailability and sustainability.
   

Enteric Empty Capsules Industry News

• In May 2025, ACG introduced the personalized capsule machine (PCM), a patented technology for on-demand capsule formulation. In partnership with Art of You, ACG expanded portfolio in personalized nutrition solutions.
   
• In June 2024, Lonza launched Capsugel Enprotect capsule in a new size nine format to support pre-clinical testing of acid-sensitive APIs. It facilitated early-stage drug evaluation in rodents, accelerating development timelines and strengthening company position in pre-clinical solutions.
   
• In November 2022, Lonza launched the Capsugel Enprotect capsule, designed for the enteric delivery of acid-sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This capsule ensures that its contents are released only in the intestine, marking a significant innovation in drug manufacturing and showcasing Lonza’s advanced capabilities in capsule technology.
   

The enteric empty capsules market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Gelatin capsules
• Non-gelatin capsules
  • HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)
  • Starch-based capsules
  • Other non-gelatin capsules

Market, By Application

• Antacid and antiflatulent preparations
• Antibiotic and antibacterial drugs
• Other applications

Market, By Capsule Size

• Size 00
• Size 0
• Size 1
• Other capsule size

Market, By End Use

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Nutraceutical manufacturers
• Other end use

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE