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.

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.

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.

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 deliver ±0.02 mm precision.
• 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 MJF180 Cutting & Packaging Machine integrates these steps for GMP compliance.

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.