Affiliation: RSBM
Email: pengchengshi@biotechrs.com; pcspc9@gmail.com
Abstract
Dosage form selection has become a strategic brand decision rather than a purely pharmaceutical one. While tablets have dominated oral delivery for decades and gummies have surged as consumer-friendly alternatives, Oral Disintegrating Films (ODFs/OTFs) are increasingly adopted by brands seeking differentiation, faster onset, precise dosing, and lighter logistics. This paper provides a structured comparison of ODFs, gummies, and tablets across absorption behavior, formulation constraints, manufacturing complexity, stability, consumer experience, and commercial scalability. By synthesizing scientific evidence with industrial practice, we explain why many brands are transitioning toward ODFs and how dosage-form choice aligns with modern market demands.
Introduction
Oral dosage forms have historically evolved in response to patient compliance, manufacturing efficiency, and regulatory acceptance. Tablets remain the most widely used format due to simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while gummies have grown rapidly by reframing supplements as enjoyable consumer products [1]. However, gummies introduce challenges related to sugar content, stability, dose accuracy, and shipping weight.
In parallel, ODFs have emerged as thin, fast-dissolving films that combine pharmaceutical precision with consumer convenience [2]. Brands across nutraceutical, functional food, and nicotine-adjacent markets are reassessing dosage forms to meet expectations for speed, portability, and clean-label positioning. This paper examines the scientific and commercial drivers behind this shift.
Methods
A comparative framework was developed using peer-reviewed literature, pharmacopeial standards, and manufacturing experience. ODFs, gummies, and tablets were evaluated across six dimensions: (i) absorption and onset, (ii) dose accuracy, (iii) formulation constraints, (iv) manufacturing and scale-up, (v) stability and logistics, and (vi) consumer perception. Evidence was synthesized qualitatively to highlight trade-offs relevant to brand strategy and product development [3].
Overview of Dosage Forms
Tablets
Tablets are compressed solids designed for swallowing and gastrointestinal absorption. They are cost-efficient, stable, and highly scalable but may present swallowing difficulty and delayed onset [4].
Gummies
Gummies are chewable gelatin- or pectin-based confections incorporating active ingredients. They emphasize taste and enjoyment but introduce challenges in dose uniformity, sugar load, and thermal stability [5].
Oral Disintegrating Films
ODFs are ultra-thin polymeric films that disintegrate in the oral cavity within seconds, releasing actives for swallowing or partial transmucosal absorption. They offer precise dosing, rapid onset, and water-free administration [6].
Absorption and Onset of Action
Tablets
Tablets require disintegration in the gastrointestinal tract before dissolution and absorption, resulting in slower onset and higher inter-individual variability [7].
Gummies
Gummies are chewed and swallowed; absorption is primarily gastrointestinal. Onset may be slightly faster than tablets due to mastication but remains digestion-dependent.
ODFs
ODFs disintegrate rapidly in saliva, enabling faster release and, in some cases, partial buccal or sublingual absorption. This often results in shorter time to onset (T_max) for suitable actives [8].
Dose Accuracy and Control
Tablets
Tablets provide high dose accuracy and uniformity, supported by well-established pharmacopeial standards.
Gummies
Gummies are inherently variable due to thermal processing, moisture sensitivity, and ingredient migration. Achieving tight dose control is more challenging, especially for low-dose actives [9].
ODFs
ODFs deliver area-based dosing with excellent uniformity when coating and cutting are well controlled. They are particularly advantageous for microgram- to low-milligram-dose actives.
Manufacturing and Scale-Up
Tablets
Tablet manufacturing is mature, robust, and cost-efficient at scale, with high throughput and low unit cost.
Gummies
Gummy manufacturing requires thermal cooking, molding, and extended drying, increasing energy use and cycle time. Scale-up is feasible but operationally complex [10].
ODFs
ODFs are produced via roll-to-roll coating and drying. While process-sensitive, they enable continuous manufacturing, low labor input, and flexible SKU changeover when properly engineered [11].
Stability and Logistics
Tablets
Tablets offer excellent stability and minimal packaging demands, making them ideal for long shelf life and global distribution.
Gummies
Gummies are sensitive to heat, humidity, and microbial growth, requiring controlled storage and heavier, bulkier packaging.
ODFs
ODFs are lightweight and compact, reducing shipping costs. With appropriate high-barrier packaging, they achieve stable shelf life while offering superior portability [12].
Consumer Experience and Brand Perception
Tablets
Often perceived as “medical” and less appealing to children or lifestyle-focused consumers.
Gummies
Highly appealing due to taste and candy-like experience but increasingly scrutinized for sugar content and “snackification” of supplements.
ODFs
Positioned as modern, clean, and tech-forward. Water-free use, discretion, and fast action resonate with health-conscious and on-the-go consumers [13].
Measures
Comparative performance is evaluated using [14,15]:
Disintegration and dissolution time
Content uniformity
Pharmacokinetic parameters (T_max, C_max, AUC)
Stability under accelerated conditions
Consumer acceptance and adherence
These measures connect dosage-form choice to both clinical and commercial outcomes.
Results
Across multiple product categories, brands adopting ODFs report faster perceived onset, improved user compliance, lighter logistics, and strong differentiation in crowded markets. Gummies remain effective for flavor-driven, lifestyle products but face increasing regulatory and formulation scrutiny. Tablets continue to dominate where cost and stability are paramount [16].
Discussion
The shift from tablets and gummies to ODFs reflects broader market trends: demand for convenience, precision, and experiential differentiation. ODFs do not replace tablets or gummies universally; rather, they excel where low-dose accuracy, rapid action, portability, and premium positioning matter most [17].
For brands, dosage-form strategy has become a key lever for innovation, influencing formulation feasibility, supply chain efficiency, and consumer perception simultaneously.
Conclusion
ODFs, gummies, and tablets each occupy distinct positions in oral delivery. Tablets offer unmatched stability and cost efficiency, gummies deliver taste-driven appeal with formulation trade-offs, and ODFs provide a compelling balance of precision, speed, and modern consumer experience. As brands seek differentiation and operational efficiency, ODFs are increasingly favored for targeted, high-value applications—explaining the growing shift in dosage-form strategy across the industry.
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