Capsules & Health Ingredients

We are capsule and health ingredients experts

Powered by industry-leading technologies, science-backed ingredients, and a rich history in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets, we are more than just our products. We are capsule experts, ingredient scientists, and manufacturers with a solutions-focused mindset, and we have been helping brands overcome challenges for more than 100 years.

We support brands with a broad range of hard empty capsules for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, including clean label and plant-based alternatives, as well as innovative delivery technologies.

In addition, we offer a range of science-backed specialty health ingredients. Fueled by consumer-centric data, our ingredients enable brands to disrupt the nutraceutical market with purposeful products for human and animal nutrition.

In 2017, Lonza acquired Capsugel, accelerating both our growth and our ability to deliver value along the healthcare continuum. Capsugel’s advanced oral dosage delivery technologies seamlessly complemented our existing offerings, and opened new opportunities for our customers.

To stay one step ahead of the challenges our customers face, we are constantly evolving and innovating to help you deliver products that meet in-demand patient and consumer needs, as well as key market trends. Our concept-to-market services can assist you in designing, optimizing, and manufacturing your unique dosage forms that meet evolving patient and consumer requirements.

Our difference

Helping you to create purpose-led, market-disrupting products with a competitive edge takes a deep commitment to excellence. That is why we are dedicated to adding value to your brand at every stage of your development process—from concept to consumer. That is our difference, our assurance to you, and why we are the preferred partner for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies around the world.

1970

We introduced the most popular two-piece hard gelatin capsule in the world—Capsugel® Coni-Snap® Hard Gelatin Capsule. This technology is a patented, two-ring closure system facilitating high-speed filling processing and secure locking of capsule body and cap.
1985

Our portfolio of premium grade L-carnitine ingredients begins with the launch of Carnipure® L-carnitine crystalline, which accelerated research and development behind the important benefits of L-carnitine for human and animal health.
1986

ChromeMate® niacin-bound chromium complex is launched, offering nutraceutical brands an opportunity to create science-backed solutions that help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support weight management.
1990

Carnipure® L-carnitine tartrate is introduced into the nutraceutical market and the first human clinical trials are initiated, leading to groundbreaking new insights behind the role of L-carnitine in supporting exercise recovery.
1993

Our journey exploring science-backed solutions to meet the needs of the pet and production animal markets begins with the launch of Carniking® L-carnitine for pet health.
1997

Super CitriMax® 60% HCA is launched into the nutraceutical market, offering brands a unique solution for satiety and appetite.
1998

We transformed the pharmaceutical industry with the introduction of our DBCaps® over-encapsulation capsules. This is a double-blind solution with a tamper-evident design, addressing the clinical trial challenge of testing without bias.
2000

Capsugel® Licaps® liquid-filled capsules are launched into the nutraceutical market with a revolutionary capsule sealing and fusion technology. This technology is specifically designed to encapsulate liquid-based and specialty powder formulations.

In the same year, we brought our L-Optizinc® zinc mono-L-methionine sulfate ingredient to market, offering superior absorption, retention, and antioxidant properties over other forms of zinc.
2001

UC-II® undenatured type II collagen is launched, marking the beginning of its successful journey as a unique joint health ingredient, available for clinical trial investigation.
2008

ResistAid® arabinogalactan is launched, making the unique immune health benefits of this ingredient available to brands in the nutraceutical market.
2009

The gold standard in HPMC capsules is introduced—Capsugel® Vcaps® Plus HPMC capsules. This capsule is produced by specifically developed thermo-gelation processes, without the addition of gelling systems.
2011

In the same year, we introduced our DRcaps® designed release capsules. Created to protect sensitive ingredients like probiotics against stomach acid and release them at the right time and in the right location in the body, this capsule polymer allows brands to create more advanced products that target diverse health areas.

We transformed the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical market through Plantcaps® pullulan capsules—a plant-based vegetarian alternative. This groundbreaking solution enables brands to meet the preferences of environmentally-conscious consumers and patients.
2015

We streamlined the capsule manufacturing filling process with the launch of Ultra III®, a high-speed, semi-automatic filling machine, providing drug developers with an innovative and flexible solution to meet a wide array of filling requirements.
2016

The first customer commercialized our proprietary lipid multi-particulate technology, strengthening our positioning as an industry-leading partner in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets.
2017

We purchased Capsugel and InterHealth to create a leading integrated solutions provider to the global pharma and consumer healthcare industries.
2019

In response to changing regulations and consumer demand for an alternative solution, we created the Vcaps® Plus White Opal® capsule. This is a titanium dioxide-free, white colored capsule that is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, as well as being allergen and gluten-free.
2020

The Lonza Engine® Alliance Program is launched. This is our partnership with some of the world’s leading equipment manufacturers, where we offer reliable powder-filling equipment, plus world-class service and support capabilities.
2021

Lonza celebrates the five-trillionth capsule manufactured, a testament to our unwavering commitment to reliability and quality in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
2022

Capsugel® Enprotect® capsule, the next generation of enteric capsules, is launched. This innovative polymer technology enables brands to solve enteric delivery challenges for enhanced delivery.

We have been serving the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for over 100 years, supporting brands from discovery to distribution. Brands rely on us as a trusted partner for the delivery of high-quality products and unsurpassed services, going above and beyond for our customers and consumer health.

We have built a global manufacturing and logistics network to protect our capacity and ability to maintain a consistent and reliable customer supply in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.

In the nutraceutical space, we also help brands meet consumer requirements for clean label and sustainably sourced products.

Our strength comes from our global infrastructure and support network

Globally, our Capsules & Health Ingredients division comprises 20 locations, which collectively help us service customers in regions where they need it most.

Our global network includes complete supply chain, regulatory, quality and application support to meet your needs safely, compliantly, and efficiently

Capsule manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, India, China, and Japan
Ingredients manufacturing facilities in North America and China
Innovation centers in North America, Europe, and Japan

Sustainability is embedded in everything we do

Evolving from a producer of electricity and carbide products into a preferred global partner to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets, we have a long-standing commitment to safety and sustainability for our community, people, and planet.

It is our ambition to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. To help us reach this target, we have submitted a letter of commitment to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) with plans to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by more than 40% by the end of 2030 (from a 2021 base year).

Our community

We cultivate meaningful relationships and contribute our knowledge, expertise, and financial support to communities around the world.

Our people

We put diversity at the heart of our workplace, by providing a secure environment, prioritizing employee health and well-being, and cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment.

Our planet

As part of our Vision Zero initiative, we are committed to improving our environmental footprint by continually finding new ways to reduce energy consumption, water use, and material demand.

Learn more about our commitment to sustainable business practice here.

Pharmaceuticals

We provide a complete offering of innovative delivery solutions for every part of the pharmaceutical development process—from early-stage development through late-stage clinical trials and full commercialization. Our customized services and support help meet your development, delivery optimization, and product differentiation needs, with a full end-to-end suite of services, helping you from concept to market and supporting you at every step of your product development journey.

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Nutraceuticals

We understand the complexities of developing breakthrough consumer health products. Our complete offering of innovative capsules and science-backed ingredient solutions, along with our fully customized services, help you bring your next nutraceutical product idea to life.

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Capsules & Health Ingredients