Why Oral Dissolvable Film (ODF) Products Are Gaining Popularity — Market Trends & Technical Barriers

In recent years, oral dissolvable films (ODFs) have evolved from a “new dosage form exploration” to a critical product format crossing the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and consumer goods sectors.

From over 10 FDA-approved ODF drugs in the United States to the explosive growth of vitamin films and pediatric fever-reducing films in Asian markets, ODFs are becoming the next hot spot for dosage form innovation and technical competition.

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1. Why Is the Market Bullish on ODFs?

• No swallowing required — Ideal for elderly and pediatric patients. ODFs can be placed on the tongue or oral mucosa, dissolving in saliva, making them perfect for people with dysphagia or nausea.
• Rapid onset & high bioavailability — Drugs can be absorbed directly through the oral mucosa, bypassing first-pass metabolism in the liver, resulting in faster onset and lower dosage.
• No water needed & highly portable — Ideal for hiking, travel, or long journeys; widely developed as an alternative dosage form during the COVID-19 period.
• High innovation appeal — Many ODF products leverage TikTok, Xiaohongshu, and other platforms to attract younger consumers and new brands.

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2. ODF Market Growth Data

• The global ODF market is expected to surpass USD 5 billion in 2024 and exceed USD 9 billion by 2028.
• Asia’s CAGR is over 17%, with China, Japan, and India being the primary growth regions.
• The nutraceutical sector’s “Blue Hat” film registration trend is rising, with multiple successful registrations already achieved.

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3. ODF’s Technical Barriers Are Higher Than They Appear

Although they look like a “thin sticker,” ODFs are actually a sophisticated integration of formulation and manufacturing technology:

• Film base development challenges — Balancing solubility, mechanical strength, and stability.
• Stringent coating requirements — With coating thickness of just 0.1–0.3 mm, even slight unevenness can affect dosage accuracy. Our MJ150 High-Capacity ODF Coating System and MJ150-L Lab-Scale ODF Coating System are built around Huanghai's patented doctor-blade coating.
• Advanced drying systems — Temperature, humidity, and tension control determine if the final product resists curling, deformation, or moisture absorption.
• Integrated packaging — Standard packaging machines are insufficient; ODFs require cutting, defect removal, and sealing. Our MJ180 Cutting & Packaging Machine integrates these steps for GMP compliance.

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Conclusion

ODFs are not just a new dosage form — they represent a user-centric innovation philosophy. From pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to functional foods and even pet supplements, ODFs are unlocking new possibilities.

The future belongs to teams that understand both formulation development and manufacturing technology. At HUANGHAI, we combine equipment innovation with R&D collaboration to help clients achieve true commercialization.

*Features patented hot-air drying technology (Academician Hou Huimin's patent CN201668734U), delivering higher heating efficiency and uniformity than oven heating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What pharmacopoeial standard governs dissolution testing?

A: Dissolution testing is governed by USP <711> (United States Pharmacopeia), ChP 0931 (Chinese Pharmacopoeia), and Ph.Eur. 2.9.3 (European Pharmacopoeia). All Huanghai RCZ-series dissolution testers are designed to comply with USP <711> paddle and basket methods, with a 10–300 RPM speed range (accuracy within ±1%) and ±0.3 °C temperature accuracy. For international market access, verify which pharmacopoeia your target regulatory body recognizes.

Q: How many dissolution channels do I need for a QC lab?

A: Channel selection depends on your batch size and testing throughput. A 6-channel tester (RCZ-6N) suits small-volume labs running one formulation at a time. An 8-channel tester (RCZ-8A) accommodates USP <711> 6-vessel runs with 2 spares. A 12-channel tester (RCZ-12A) is ideal for high-throughput labs running two products simultaneously.

Q: What is the difference between syringe pump and peristaltic pump in automated sampling?

A: Syringe pumps (used in Huanghai RCZ-QY series) deliver precise, pulsation-free sample withdrawal—critical for viscous media or flow-sensitive APIs. Peristaltic pumps are lower cost but introduce pulsation artifacts that can affect UV absorbance readings in inline detection. For validated methods submitted to regulatory agencies, syringe-pump systems such as the RCZ-QY12 are preferred because they demonstrate superior reproducibility in audit-trail-backed data.

Q: Does the dissolution tester support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?

A: Huanghai intelligent dissolution testers (RCZ-8N, RCZ-12A, RCZ-QY series) include audit trail functionality—timestamped records of all parameter changes and operator actions—meeting basic USP and ChP audit trail requirements. They are designed with features that support a 21 CFR Part 11 workflow; Part 11 compliance itself also depends on your laboratory's own procedures and validated systems (for example a validated LIMS). Electronic signatures are not included. Contact us to discuss compliance configuration for your specific regulatory submission.

Q: How often should dissolution media be degassed before testing?

A: USP <711> recommends degassing dissolution media immediately before use to remove dissolved oxygen that can cause bubble formation on tablet surfaces—leading to false-low dissolution results. Best practice: degas each media batch within 30 minutes of testing. The HTQ-1A Vacuum Degasser degasses purified water in a 25-liter mobile tank by vacuum, heating and circulation, with UV sterilization; add buffer salts or surfactants after degassing, not in the degasser. For labs running 8–12 channel testers, a dedicated degasser prevents throughput bottlenecks between runs.