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3D Printed "Starmix" Drug Loaded Dosage Forms for Paediatric Applications
Nicolaos Scoutaris1, Steven A Ross1, Dennis Douroumis2
1Faculty of Engineering and Science, School of Science, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
Pharmaceutical Research
|January 26, 2018
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing successfully created palatable paediatric medicines. This novel Fusion Deposition Modelling (FDM) approach produced "candy-like" drug formulations with excellent taste masking and immediate drug release.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Materials Science
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging technology for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Developing palatable paediatric medicines remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize Fusion Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printing to create "candy-like" paediatric medicines.
- To enhance palatability and patient compliance through novel dosage form designs.
Main Methods:
- Hot melt extrusion (HME) coupled with FDM to produce drug-loaded filaments (indomethacin, HPMCAS, PEG).
- Printing of various Starmix®-imitating shapes (heart, ring, bottle, bear, lion).
- Comprehensive physicochemical analysis including DSC, XRPD, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy for drug-excipient interactions and content uniformity.
Main Results:
- Molecular dispersion of indomethacin (IND) within the printed tablets was confirmed.
- Excellent taste masking of the bitter drug was achieved in vivo.
- Immediate IND release within 60 minutes, irrespective of the printed dosage form shape.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing via FDM is a viable method for producing paediatric printed tablets.
- The Starmix®-inspired designs offer a promising approach for palatable paediatric medication.
- This technology facilitates the development of patient-centric pharmaceutical dosage forms.