Liquid Filled Hard Shell Capsules: Current Drug Delivery Influencing Pharmaceutical Technology

Abstract

Purpose: Gastric absorption is an upfront route for drug delivery as it is convenient, economical and most suitable for getting the desired systemic effects. Unfortunately, many traditional and newer generation drugs suffer from poor solubility and have lower bioavailability. With a perspective of bringing a novel delivery system in such a condition for old/existing/new drugs, liquidfilled hard capsules hold promise as the delivery system. Methods: Anorganizedstate of the art literature review including patents was conducted to accommodate information on the innovations in technology, processes, and applications in the field of liquid filling in hard-shell capsules. Results: The review findings revealed the importance of understanding the impact of liquid filled hard shell capsules would have in use of complex drug molecules, especially the ones sensitive to light and moisture. This technology can have diverse functions to be used for both immediate and delayed drug release. According to the technology point of view, the band sealing in such hardshell capsules helps in protecting against the tampering of capsule fill. Conclusion: The review provides an insight into the progression in the technology forefront related to formulation development of liquid formulations to be filled in hard shell capsules for better therapeutic potentials and convenience to the patients.