Received: 05.05.2026
Accepted: 01.06.2026
Published online: 17.06.2026
UDC: 615.453.4:582.757.2
DOI: 10.53511/pharmkaz.2026.3.6
CURRENT TRENDS IN THE CAPSULE SHELL MARKET AND PROSPECTS FOR THE USE
OF TAPIOCA-BASED PLANT ALTERNATIVES IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
Raganina K.T.¹, Pavelkovskaya G.P.², Menshikova E.V.², Tleubayeva M.I.¹, Zhandabayeva
M.A.¹, Koilybayeva M.K.¹, Demeuova A.S.¹, Kadilina A.E.¹
¹ Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
² Production Cooperative (PC) «Kyzylmay Firm», Almaty, Kazakhstan
Introduction. The modern market for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals requires innovative approaches to encapsulation. Traditional soft capsules (SCs) have several limitations, including dependence on animal-derived raw materials and sensitivity to moisture. The transition to plant-based alternatives, such as tapioca, is becoming a strategic industry trend.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted as an analytical and comparative review.
Publications published between 2010 and 2025 were searched in the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The following keywords were used: «softgel capsules», «tapioca capsules», «plant-based capsules», «HPMC capsules», «pullulan», «alginate», «carrageenan» and «starch-based drug delivery systems». Market trends were analyzed using data from Grand View Research, GMI Insights, Precedence Research, Mordor Intelligence, and
BCC Research. Market forecasts were compared using comparative analysis of CAGR values and absolute market indicators. The analysis of the Kazakhstan pharmaceutical market was performed based on the State Register of Medicines of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including evaluation of capsule dosage forms, manufacturing countries, and capsule types.
Comparative analysis of polymer matrices included assessment of:
– physicochemical stability;
– moisture resistance;
– compatibility with lipophilic APIs;
– manufacturing processability;
– industrial scale-up potential.
Results. The global «soft capsules» market demonstrates stable growth with a CAGR of 6–7%. In Kazakhstan, capsule forms account for 8.3% of the total registered drugs; however, plant-based soft capsules are virtually absent from the register. It has been established that tapioca possesses high elasticity and resistance to external factors, making it a promising substitute for gelatin.
Discussion. The growing demand for the «clean label» concept and vegan products creates a niche for plant-based shells. The introduction of tapioca capsule production technologies by domestic enterprises (e.g., PC Firm “Kyzylmay”) contributes to import substitution and strengthens the country’s medicinal security.
Conclusion. The transition to tapioca-based soft capsules represents a promising direction in the development of plantbased encapsulation systems and may enable domestic manufacturers to align with global technological trends while contributing to the expansion of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical product portfolios.
Keywords: «soft capsules», tapioca, plant-based alternatives, pharmaceutical market of Kazakhstan, import substitution, nutraceuticals, drug delivery systems.
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