Capsugel
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Pharmaceuticals |
| Predecessor | Parke-Davis subdivision |
| Founded | 1960s |
| Fate | Acquired by Lonza Group in 2017 |
| Headquarters | Morristown, New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Two-piece hard gelatin capsules, capsule filling machinery |
| Parent | Lonza Group |
Capsugel specializes in the production and distribution of two-piece hard gelatin capsules used in pharmaceuticals. The company also offers machinery designed for the filling and sealing of both empty and liquid-filled capsules.
History
Originating in the 1960s as a subdivision of Parke-Davis, Capsugel transitioned to become part of Warner Lambert in 1970. Later, in 2000, Pfizer acquired Warner Lambert, including Capsugel. On August 1, 2011, Pfizer divested Capsugel, selling it to the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts for $2.38 billion. Subsequently, in July 2017, the Lonza Group purchased Capsugel from KKR for $5.5 billion, establishing a prominent integrated solutions provider serving pharmaceutical and consumer health markets worldwide.
In 1987, while under Warner Lambert's ownership, Capsugel launched Suzhou Capsugel Ltd., one of five pharmaceutical joint ventures established in China at that time.
Capsugel is recognized for pioneering the manufacturing process of hard shell capsules made from starch.
Executive history
Charles Hoover assumed the role of President in 1989 after overseeing the company’s largest manufacturing plant and spearheading quality enhancement initiatives since 1982. His tenure emphasized implementing statistical process control throughout the organization. By 2016, Guido Driesen was serving as both President and chief executive officer (CEO).
Coni-Snap
Coni-Snap capsules are conventional two-part hard gelatin capsules primarily filled with powders or granules but also compatible with pellets, tablets, pastes, or liquids. Offered in various sizes and colors, they include a tapered edge designed for efficient operation on high-speed filling lines and incorporate a dual snap-ring locking mechanism to ensure secure closure. Built-in air vents minimize air compression during capsule filling.
DBcaps
DBcaps are opaque capsules tailored for use in double-blind studies, able to accommodate different tablet sizes without the need for splitting or crushing, thereby minimizing variability in clinical trials. Their locking design prevents subjects from opening the capsules, preserving study integrity.
Vcaps
Vcaps are two-piece capsules composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a cellulose-based substance. They meet specific dietary restrictions by being gluten-free, vegan-friendly, kosher-certified, and halaal-compliant.
Licaps
Licaps consist of two-piece gelatin or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules designed to encapsulate liquids or semi-solid formulations. These are particularly suited for pharmaceuticals that exhibit greater stability in liquid form, such as certain dietary supplements.
Facilities
As of 1991, Capsugel's four primary manufacturing sites were located in Greenwood, South Carolina (USA), Belgium, France, and Japan. Additional smaller production units operated in the United Kingdom, Mexico, Italy, Thailand, Brazil, and China.
Intellectual property
European patents EP2844297 and EP2844296 were filed by Capsugel’s Belgian division in 2013 and granted respectively in 2018 and 2019. These patents cover aqueous dispersions involving controlled release polymers and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate (HPMCAS), with protection valid until 2033.
Further reading
- The Vest-Pocket Marketer – Capsugel Crisis Management Checklist (1991)
- Casugel Recognizes Tech Partnership – The Newberry Observer (1992)