With increasing flavour bans in key markets,
vaping brands are facing significant challenges in providing satisfying
alternatives to vapers and smokers looking to transition. Recognising this
need, Alchem NicSelect™ is making a bold move by offering its key customers royalty-free and unrestricted geographical access to its revolutionary T-MAX™ technology.“At Alchem NicSelect™, we understand the urgency for vaping brands to adapt to new regulations without compromising on satisfaction. By offering royalty-free access to T-MAX™ technology, we empower our customers to provide the closest cigarette-like experience possible, even in markets with strict flavour restrictions,” said Riccardo Santambrogio, Europe Sales Manager.HIGHLIGHTS// offering royalty-free access to T-MAX™ technology/ unrestricted geographical access/ closest cigarette-like experience Addressing the biggest barrier: Nicotine satisfactionOne of the primary reasons many vapers are dissatisfied and smokers struggle to switch to vaping is that traditional nicotine solutions fail to replicate the rapid satisfaction provided by cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and even conventional vaping products often lack the immediate nicotine hit, throat feel, and overall experience that smokers are accustomed to. T-MAX™ solves this problem by engineering a nicotine experience that closely mimics cigarette consumption without relying on flavours.T-MAX™ provides a unique 3-in-1 approach:1.
The Speed of a Cigarette – Rapid nicotine delivery and rush within seconds for immediate satisfaction.2.
The Power of Nicotine Salts – A stronger perceived
nicotine effect without exceeding legal limits (20 mg/ml nicotine limit under
the European Tobacco
Products Directive). With T-MAX™, 8 mg/ml feels like 20 mg/ml, and 14 mg/ml feels like 40 mg/ml.3.
The Throat Hit of Freebase Nicotine – Especially in a flavour-free formulation, the combined ingredients in T-MAX™ deliver an even more satisfying throat feel than expected from nicotine base, much closer to and more familiar with a cigarette throat feel that habitual smokers recognise.HIGHLIGHTS//
unique 3-in-1 approach/ rush within seconds/ stronger perceived nicotine effect
without exceeding legal limits/ more satisfying throat feel that habitual
smokers recogniseNo flavour, but not less satisfyingWhile flavours have traditionally played a role in
vaping adoption, market realities are shifting. With flavour bans spreading
across regions, brands need solutions that deliver satisfaction without relying
on taste. Consumer research has shown that T-MAX™ performs exceptionally well even without added flavours. Since most cigarette smokers do not smoke for the tobacco flavour but rather for the nicotine hit and habitual experience, T-MAX™ provides a viable alternative that aligns with new regulatory landscapes.HIGHLIGHTS// flavour bans spreading across regions/ T-MAX™ performs exceptionally well even without added flavoursEmpowering vape brands with free access to T-MAX™By granting customers royalty-free access to the T-MAX™ technology, Alchem NicSelect™ is removing barriers for vaping brands and original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) looking to adapt to regulatory changes. This open-access approach ensures that manufacturers can integrate T-MAX™ into their product lines without additional costs, allowing them to offer superior nicotine satisfaction in markets where flavours are no longer an option.HIGHLIGHTS// removing barriers for vaping brands and OEMs looking to adapt/ manufacturers can integrate T-MAX™ into product lines without additional costsThe future of vaping in restricted marketsWith T-MAX™, the vaping industry has a powerful tool to retain customers and convert smokers who have struggled with traditional vaping products. By delivering the key elements of cigarette satisfaction — without combustion or flavours — T-MAX™ is set to redefine what a satisfying vape experience means in a post-flavour-ban world.“Our commitment to innovation and accessibility means we are providing our customers with the solutions they need to navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. T-MAX™ allows brands to offer a highly satisfying experience that mimics smoking without relying on flavours. The message is clear: no flavour, but not less satisfying”, added Santambrogio.HIGHLIGHTS// powerful tool to retain customers and convert smokers/ delivering the key elements of cigarette satisfaction without combustion or flavours/ no flavour, but not less satisfying
This PharmaReel highlights Pfanstiehl's portfolio, featuring highest-purity, low-endotoxin injectable-grade excipients, generic APIs and intermediates, HPAPIs, and modified carbohydrates. The company provides API custom synthesis and ADC linker manufacturing services, all backed by USFDA certification.
The pharmaceutical excipients market saw significant strategic
consolidations, technological developments, and regulatory adaptations in 2025.
Globally, the pharmaceutical excipients sector is growing at a compound annual
growth rate of 6.6 percent, and was valued at US$ 8.85 billion in 2024. It is projected to reach US$ 14.77 billion by 2032.This year, the sector is witnessing technological advancements,
regulatory evolution, and strategic business realignments. North America
continues to dominate the global excipients landscape, with a 39.8 percent
market share. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing segment with a
substantial 30.4 percent market share, driven by increasing investments in
pharmaceutical manufacturing, growing demand for cost-effective drugs, and
rising healthcare expenditure across developing economies.Major
excipient providers include BASF, Merck KGaA owned MilliporeSigma, Gangwal Healthcare, DuPont, Evonik, Seqens, Actylis, SPI Pharma, PMC Isochem, Croda International, Pfanstiehl, Kewpie Corporation, Boai NKY Pharmaceuticals, ICE Pharma, Roquette, Nanjing Well Pharmaceutical, Minakem, Ashland Global, Anhui Ribobay
Pharmaceutical and Nippon Fine Chemical. View Our Dashboard on Major Excipient Companies in 2025 (Free Excel Available)Roquette restructures after
buying IFF Pharma; Colorcon partners ASHA CelluloseIn May, Roquette completed its acquisition of IFF Pharma Solutions. Valued at up to US$ 2.85 billion in enterprise value, this transaction represents a major consolidation in the pharmaceutical excipients market. The acquisition significantly enhances Roquette’s ability to deliver high-value drug delivery solutions to pharmaceutical customers worldwide. Roquette announced a comprehensive, new organizational structure following the acquisition, indicating the company’s commitment to integrate IFF Pharma Solutions’ capabilities seamlessly into its existing operations. This consolidation creates a more robust platform for addressing the growing demand for specialized excipients in complex drug formulations, particularly as the industry moves towards more personalized approaches to medicines.So far, the year has also witnessed some strategic alliances, such
as Colorcon’s partnership with ASHA Cellulose. As part of the deal, Colorcon will become the exclusive representative for two ASHA products — ASHACEL and ASHAKOTE — throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia.Brenntag Specialties has announced an exclusive distribution agreement with MEGGLE Excipients to expand market reach. This collaboration makes available a broad portfolio of over 30 high-quality lactose-based excipients for various applications in the pharmaceutical industries across the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.The portfolio’s versatility offers optimal solutions for a wide range of pharmaceutical applications, including tableting through both granulation and direct compression, powder preparations, and dry powder inhalation. View Our Dashboard on Major Excipient Companies in 2025 (Free Excel Available)WHO, FDA drive new standards
with GMP guidelines; Pfanstiehl launches injectable-grade glycineIn March, the World Health Organization had put out a publication titled “Good Manufacturing Practices for Excipients used in Pharmaceutical Products.” WHO’s excipient GMP guideline emphasizes modern quality management principles, comprehensive risk assessment protocols, and supplier qualification procedures for excipients across all stages of production, storage, and distribution.Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed amendments to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as part of its FY 2025 legislative proposals, specifically targeting supply chain transparency for high-risk excipients. The FDA proposal would require certain excipients designated as high-risk to carry labeling that identifies the original manufacturer’s name and address. This initiative addresses what FDA has identified as a lack of transparency in excipient supply chains.In April, IFF Pharma Solutions launched Low Nitrite METHOCEL
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). This innovative product is specifically designed to
reduce the risk of nitrosamine formation in finished
pharmaceutical dosages, addressing one of the most pressing concerns in
contemporary pharmaceutical manufacturing.Pfanstiehl, a global leader in
high-purity excipient manufacturing, announced the launch of its High Purity Low Endotoxin Low Metals (HPLE-LM) injectable-grade glycine. This multi-compendial glycine is specifically engineered for use in biologics, vaccines, and the downstream purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Manufactured under ICH-Q7 cGMP regulations at Pfanstiehl’s advanced facility in Waukegan, Illinois, the product meets stringent global pharmacopeial standards. View Our Dashboard on Major Excipient Companies in 2025 (Free Excel Available)Shin-Etsu Chemical invests in
Japan, Germany to expand cellulose productionIn March, Shin-Etsu Chemical announced investments in pharmaceutical cellulose
business operations in Japan and Europe, thereby showing significant commitment
to market expansion. The company is making substantial investments at two key
bases: the subsidiary SE Tylose GmbH in Germany, and the Naoetsu Plant in Joetsu, Japan. In Germany, a new production facility for the pharmaceutical excipient L-HPC will be built adjacent to the existing facility, creating a dual base with the Naoetsu Plant. The excipients market in 2025 has seen innovation in functional
applications. Research on BENEO’s Palatinose as a bedtime drink shows that it improves
aspects of sleep and represents an innovative approach to excipient
functionality. Palatinose is a naturally sourced, smart carbohydrate that
provides full carbohydrate energy in a more balanced way, thanks to its
low-glycemic profile.Gangwal Healthcare, with its EXCiPACT-certified GMP facilities and a robust portfolio of co-processed excipients like ProBlend, Starlose, and Microlose, is actively contributing to the pharmaceutical industry’s demand for functional excipients. The company also offers cellulose-based excipients such as Solvostar (Sodium Starch Glycolate) and Sallyso (Croscarmellose Sodium), designed to improve tablet
disintegration and drug release profiles in oral solid dosage forms.Evonik announced a partnership with South Korea–based CDMO ST Pharm to expand its RNA and nucleic acid delivery services. This collaboration enables Evonik to integrate customized nucleic acids from ST Pharm seamlessly with its lipid and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) development and fill-and-finish services. This streamlined approach means that pharmaceutical companies can reduce complexity and increase speed-to-market for nucleic acid therapeutics. View Our Dashboard on Major Excipient Companies in 2025 (Free Excel Available)Our viewThe pharmaceutical excipients market in 2025 is being shaped by several key trends including the development of multifunctional excipients that can simultaneously improve solubility, bioavailability, and control drug release in increasingly complex formulations.Moreover, the expanding generic medicines market is creating demand for cost-effective, versatile excipients. The growing importance of biologics and biosimilars is driving innovation in specialized excipients designed to maintain the stability and efficacy of these complex therapeutic products throughout their lifecycle. And nanotechnology continues to enable advanced nano-excipients for enhanced drug delivery and efficacy.In addition to these trends, we also notice a shift towards natural and plant-based excipients that is driven by sustainability concerns and potential biocompatibility benefits.
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