For over 20 years, the company has specialised in the research and development of innovative ODF formulation and manufacturing technologies.
According to Sarah Heo, Deputy General Manager of International Business at C.L.Pharm, manufacturers are increasingly looking into this format, including big names like GNC, Amway, CJ Wellcare, Jung Kwan Jang, and LG H&H, which the company is partnering with to make ODF products.
Although the format is more prevalent in the US, South Korea, and Japan right now, the market is growing due to its wide-ranging application potential, including in medical drugs, dietary supplements, hangover cures, and pet nutrition.
In particular, Heo said that ODF products for hangover relief and those containing glutathione and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are the top three bestselling categories in Korea at the moment.
“NMM is for anti-ageing, glutathione is for people of all ages who want a skin brightening effect, and hangover cure is for the alcohol enthusiasts. The film has a honey taste, and for that reason, many people find it easy to take after drinking.
“I recommend taking three or four sheets — before drinking, while drinking, and after drinking — which helps a lot [to alleviate hangovers],” Heo told NutraIngredients-Asia.
Compared to other formats of hangover cures, ODF is priced “a little higher” in the retail market due to its faster rate of absorption and lower economies of scale.
For instance, a box of 10 ODF sheets costs about KRW30,000 (USD21), whereas gummies and pills are typically priced around KRW2,000 (USD1.40) per packet.
“The equipment for manufacturing ODF is very different. Hangover cures in jelly, powder and pill formats are available all over the world today. The market is mature and production has already been scaled up, that’s why their prices are lower than ODFs.”
C.L.Pharm recently participated in the FHA-Food & Beverage 2025 trade show in Singapore, with the aim of increasing its presence in more markets.
“Our manufacturing site and R&D centre are in South Korea. We are available in other countries through ODM and OEM, and we are very open to expanding [our reach] to markets like Singapore and Malaysia.”
Superior absorption, extensive applications
C.L.Pharm’s proprietary Dr.FiLL Bio SorbFilm is an “all-in-one” manufacturing technology for high-potency and broad-spectrum ODFs.
The company holds 30 patents, including in casting production method, production facility, and bitterness-masking technique.
A study published in International Journal of Dermatology found that the absorption rate of its film-format collagen increased by 321.8%, compared to regular collagen pills.
“ODFs disintegrate without water for convenient consumption, and active ingredients are absorbed into blood flow through the oral mucosa, maximising the systemic absorption process. The ingredients are less influenced by digestive enzymes, and high bioavailability is shown even from a small amount.
“It is not 100% that nutrients from powders, pills or tablets can get absorbed into our bodies, but the film melts in the mouth and can be absorbed much faster. Therefore, ODF products are great for easy administration and can provide exact dosage per intake. They are also especially suitable for seniors, children, and patients with dysphagia who have trouble swallowing traditional solid or liquid formats.”
C.L.Pharm’s ODF products are individually sealed, facilitating storage and for consumers to carry around.
According to the company, the format can be applied in numerous product categories, ranging from inner beauty and women’s health to gut and liver health, immune support, energy and stress, healthy ageing, prostate health, supplements for children, and more.
