Innovation in supplementation

As healthcare continues to embrace a more holistic approach to patient wellbeing, nutritional supplementation is playing an increasingly important role alongside aesthetic treatments and wider wellness programmes. While the focus is often on selecting the right vitamin or mineral, the way those nutrients are delivered can have an equally important impact on the overall patient experience. Oral Dispersible Film (ODF) technology represents a significant innovation in supplementation, offering a modern alternative to traditional tablets and capsules. Developed by Swiss pharmaceutical company IBSA using its patented FilmTec technology, ODFs are thin, flexible films that dissolve quickly on the tongue without the need for water, delivering a precise, consistent dose in a convenient format. Unlike many conventional supplements, the films are manufactured using a maltodextrin-based platform with minimal excipients and are designed to combine pharmaceutical quality with ease of use.

For clinics supporting patients throughout their aesthetic, wellness or preventative health journey, adherence is an important consideration. Even the most carefully selected supplement can only provide benefit if patients are willing and able to take it consistently. ODF technology has been developed with this in mind, offering a discreet, portable format that fits easily into everyday life and removes the need to carry water or swallow conventional tablets. Clinical studies have shown that patients find ODFs easy to use, with a pleasant inmouth experience and taste, factors that may contribute to improved compliance with supplementation.

As holistic patient wellbeing becomes an increasingly important part of clinical practice, delivery technology is emerging as a key differentiator in nutritional supplementation.

What differentiates the technology further is the science behind it. IBSA’s patented manufacturing process enables active ingredients to be distributed uniformly throughout each film, ensuring precise, consistent dosing. The platform has also demonstrated versatility, supporting the development of a range of nutritional supplements while maintaining the physical properties required for reliable handling, rapid disintegration and product stability.

The technology is supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed research. Clinical evaluation of IBSA Iron ODF demonstrated comparable absorption to a leading sucrosomial iron capsule, while separate research into Vitamin D3 ODF confirmed rapid dissolution, immediate release characteristics and stable formulation performance. Together, these studies provide reassurance that innovative delivery technology can be combined with clinically supported performance.

For healthcare professionals, innovation in supplementation is no longer solely about the active ingredient. As patients increasingly seek premium healthcare solutions that fit their lifestyle, delivery technology is becoming an important consideration when recommending products. By combining pharmaceutical expertise, patented FilmTec technology and clinically supported development, IBSA’s Orodispersible Film range offers a differentiated approach to supplementation that aligns with today’s growing emphasis on convenience, quality and holistic patient care.

AT A GLANCE: WHY CHOOSE IBSA ODF TECHNOLOGY?

• Patented FilmTec pharmaceutical technology
• Precise, consistent dosing throughout every film
• Thin, flexible format that dissolves on the tongue without water
• Minimal excipients and pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing
• Supported by peer-reviewed scientific research
• Designed to encourage convenience and long-term adherence to supplementation

References: 1. Cupone IE et al. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14:2011. 2. Cupone IE et al. Pharmaceutics. 2023;15:1575. 3. Cupone IE et al. Molecules. 2020;25:5851.