ACG becomes only company to produce “world’s first 2-in-1 capsules” with ComboCap acquisition

28 Mar 2023 --- Vantage Nutrition, an ACG group company, becomes the “only company in the world” to supply Sidebyside health products by acquiring ComboCap Inc from the US. This allows for a three-piece capsule health product with wet and dry ingredients separated by an internal divider. 

ComboCap invented and commercialized its ‘Sidebyside’ technology, backed by 80 international patent awards. 

The acquisition was announced by Karan Singh, managing director at ACG, who explains that the move will strengthen ACG’s portfolio of vegetarian and gelatin capsules.

Singh told NutritionInsight: “Our aim is to bring a unique combination of products into the market, for both the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors. And we want to help the partner brand to differentiate their offerings and portfolios.”

“We now hold the patented design and specialized equipment used in producing the world’s first two-in-one capsule product with a movable membrane, becoming the sole proprietor of this technology globally.”

“We share a passion for innovation and the commitment to bring nutraceutical and pharmaceutical customers the best possible solutions and services,” adds Tobie Louw, founder and CEO of ComboCap Inc. 

At the same time, Vantage Nutrition also acquired BioCap from South Africa. 

Sidebyside health products contain wet and dry ingredients separated by an internal divider (Image credit: ComboCap).Two-in-one capsules 
ComboCap notes that the Sidebyside capsules improve the bioavailability of key ingredients. It explains that research has shown that water and fat-based liquids are often necessary to absorb active ingredients in the digestive system. 

“For the first time, one can combine various ingredients," notes Singh. "By mixing them with each other and then dividing across two or multiple different compartments. They are all separated with a moveable membrane, coupled with different release profiles as well.”

Consumers are looking for science-backed products in accessible formats. Industry experts state that consumers equate bioavailability with convenience. 

“This technological breakthrough solves current formulation challenges with many combination therapies, including incompatible ingredients or molecules. Capsules are arguably the safest and most reliable way to deliver medicine and we at ACG strive to make it better,” explains Singh. 

“By joining forces and leveraging our collective capabilities, we’ll no doubt bring Sidebyside to nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets worldwide,” adds Louw. 

According to ComboCap, the capsules and separating membranes are made from pharma-grade bovine or fish gelatin or vegetarian materials. They are produced in a plant in the US that meets current Good Manufacturing Practices. 

Recent expansions 
With the acquisition, Vantage Nutrition and ACG note they can expand their technology and customer solutions footprint in North America and the rest of the world. 

“With our partners, we will usher in a new era in new combinations of dietary supplements, and even non-prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) remedies as well as prescription (Rx) medicines to be delivered in a single dose,” explains Singh. 

“Every brand partner, especially in the OTC space, is looking for innovation and differentiation. Capsules have played a huge role in the dietary supplement space, particularly for health-conscious users. This technology enables companies to truly innovate, whilst remaining in the capsule space.”

ACG is an integrated supplier of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical solid dosage products and services, while Vantage Nutrition produces liquid-filled capsule solutions. 

Recently, Vantage Nutrition acquired US-based manufacturer AquaCap, from Nestlé Health Science. 

Swiss-based ingredient manufacturer Lonza reported a growing interest in premium nutraceutical products and specialty capsules. 

By Jolanda van Hal