Loose terminology is the norm in this market. “Liposomal” is used for any phospholipid-containing powder; “controlled release” is used for encapsulation that modifies nothing. Both make it impossible for a formulator to compare two suppliers honestly.
This page states how NexaGens uses each term and what evidence we require before using it. We hold ourselves to it publicly so you can check.
Delivery systems
| Term |
How NexaGens uses it |
Never used for |
| Liposomal |
A characterised phospholipid vesicle system: bilayer vesicles demonstrated by cryo-TEM or freeze-fracture, size and PDI by DLS, and the active–vesicle relationship established (encapsulated, bilayer-associated or surface-associated). All six products on our phospholipid platform meet this standard today |
Any phospholipid-containing powder without vesicle evidence |
| Phospholipid delivery |
A phospholipid-based system where vesicle structure has not (or not yet) been characterised. We use this term only for a phospholipid product before that characterisation work is complete |
— |
| Phospholipid-coated |
Particles with a demonstrated phospholipid surface layer |
Interchangeably with liposomal |
| Microencapsulated |
An active embedded in or surrounded by a food-grade matrix or coating |
Pellet products |
| Pellet |
A multiparticulate ingredient unit with an engineered core and coating |
Powders |
| Functional pellet |
A pellet engineered for a defined release or protection profile |
Uncoated granules |
| Beadlet |
Retired. NexaGens does not use this term |
— |
Release profiles
| Term |
How NexaGens uses it |
Never used for |
| Immediate release (IR) |
NLT 80% within 30 minutes unless the active is intrinsically insoluble |
Products with any intentional delay |
| Sustained release (SR-4 / SR-8) |
Diffusion-controlled release over 4 or 8 hours to a stated profile |
Microencapsulated powders |
| Modified release |
Umbrella term covering sustained and enteric |
IR products |
| Controlled release |
Retired. We use “modified release” as the category and IR / SR / enteric as the specific type |
Microencapsulation, in any context |
| Enteric |
NMT 10% release after 2 h in gastric medium; NLT 80% within 60 min in intestinal medium, by a pharmacopoeial delayed-release method |
Sustained release |
Protection types
| Term |
How NexaGens uses it |
| Taste-masked |
A saliva-resistant, gastric-soluble barrier; target NMT 10% release in simulated saliva at 2 minutes |
| Odour-masked |
A barrier reducing volatile release, demonstrated by headspace analysis over storage |
| Stability-protected |
A barrier against oxygen, light, heat and/or moisture, with the specific stressor stated |
| Interaction-protected |
Physical separation of reactive ingredients within a blend, demonstrated by a blend study |
| Absorption-limited |
A descriptor for the active, not for our product: an ingredient whose absorption is limited by its own physicochemical properties, such as very low aqueous solubility. It states the formulation problem, not a benefit of the finished product |
| Bioavailability / absorption claims |
We do not claim improved bioavailability or absorption for a NexaGens product without human data on that specific product. Where such data exists we cite it; where it does not, we describe the delivery system and its characterisation instead |
Product maturity
| Term |
How NexaGens uses it |
| Pre-Production |
An earlier stage, before qualification. In active development: target product profile defined; no representative batches; all values shown are development targets. No product we currently list is at this stage |
| In Qualification |
Pilot batches produced; analytical methods in transfer; specification being confirmed; stability initiated |
| Qualified |
Confirmed specification, validated methods, stability data available, COA issued per batch. This is the current status of every product we list |
| Development target |
An intended value that has not yet been demonstrated. The term applies only before qualification; no product we currently list carries development-target values |
| Confirmed specification |
A value demonstrated by a validated method on representative batches |
See how the maturity framework works in practice · Read the Knowledge Hub articles on terminology