This article describes Gastroblock Technology, a proprietary solution developed by Gruppo Farmaimpresa to address the issue of unpleasant odour in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical active ingredients. The technology is based on a double gastro-resistant barrier applied to already gastro-resistant capsules, designed to prevent the release of volatile compounds responsible for bad odour until targeted intestinal release. Gastroblock Technology improves product acceptability, patient compliance and active ingredient bioavailability, and is particularly suitable for highly volatile substances such as butyric acid, methionine and fermented extracts. The article explains how the technology works, its functional benefits and its applications in CDMO projects and ready-to-market nutraceutical products.
In the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors, the effectiveness of a formulation is not measured only in clinical terms, but also through the patient’s experience at the time of intake. Unpleasant odour and taste are among the main factors leading to reduced adherence to therapy or supplementation, especially in prolonged or repeated treatments.
To address this specific need, Gruppo Farmaimpresa developed Gastroblock Technology: a proprietary solution designed to neutralize the sensory impact of highly volatile active ingredients and ensure targeted intestinal release.
How Gastroblock Technology Works
The Double Gastro-Resistant Barrier Principle
Gastroblock Technology represents an advanced evolution of traditional enteric capsules. Unlike standard solutions, it is based on a functional double-barrier system:
- Intrinsically gastro-resistant capsule, designed to withstand the acidic gastric pH.
- Additional external coating, applied through a proprietary process using specific gastro-resistant agents.
This second layer does not only provide gastric protection, but acts as a true “odour-lock”, preventing the release of volatile sulfur, amine and aromatic compounds until intestinal release.
Gastroblock Technology and Control of Active Ingredient Odour
One of the main advantages of Gastroblock Technology is the significant reduction of olfactory impact during:
- package opening
- capsule handling
- swallowing
The patient perceives no odour, or only minimal odour, resulting in a significant improvement in product acceptability.
Application Case: Butyric Acid
Butyric acid is essential for colon health and intestinal microbiota balance, but it is well known for its strong, rancid and penetrating odour. In conventional formulations, the odour tends to migrate through the capsule, contaminating blisters and the patient’s hands.
With Gastroblock Technology, this issue is addressed at its source:
- prevention of volatile compound migration
- targeted release exclusively at intestinal level
- no aftertaste or reflux after intake
A concrete example of application is Maricol, formulated using Gastroblock Technology.
Discover the official product datasheet on pjpharma.it – Maricol
Benefits of Gastroblock Technology
Gastroblock Technology: A Strategic Solution for Brands and CDMOs
Gastroblock Technology is not just a technical solution, but a real competitive advantage for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical brands aiming to differentiate in the market.
We are manufacturers of medical devices, food supplements, cosmetics and aesthetic medicine products.
