Aspects of 3D printed drugs

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing technique where objects are created under computer control. Apart from opening many avenues of manufacturing, 3D printing of medicine has become a lucrative area in research. The technology can deliver customised and effectively on-demand treatments for individuals with unique needs; drug delivery system capable of dispensing spatially accurate and low volumes of medicine; preparation of medicine comprised of complex composition and geometric shape. Advent of 3D printed drugs like Spritam^® has been FDA approved which have heightened the hopes. Pharmaceutical industry at present is shifting from mass production to personalised medicine as it promises future production of on-demand printed drugs with customised doses, increased productivity and cost-effectiveness. The goal of this article is to outline and explore the various approaches, along with the key aspects of drug printing, and also allow space for exploration of the main areas of 3D printing to be tackled in the future in order to make it an effective manufacturing route for the pharmaceutical industry.