Recent update of 3D printing technology in pharmaceutical formulation development.

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• The pharmaceutical sector faces a growing demand for personalized medicine.
• Traditional manufacturing methods struggle to meet the need for individualized treatments and devices.
• 3-dimensional printing (3DP) has emerged as a transformative technology in this field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of 3-dimensional printing (3DP) in the pharmaceutical industry.
• To explore the fabrication methods for 3DP-based drug delivery systems and medical devices.
• To discuss current clinical trials, patents, regulatory aspects, and future prospects of 3DP in pharmaceuticals.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on 3DP applications in personalized medicine.
• Analysis of fabrication techniques for customized dosage forms and medical devices.
• Compilation of data on clinical trials, patents, and regulatory considerations.

Main Results:

• 3DP facilitates the creation of customized dosage forms with adjustable geometry and altered drug release profiles.
• Current achievements include personalized drug delivery systems, patient-specific medical devices, implants, and regenerative medicine scaffolds.
• The technology offers potential for reduced side effects and improved therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• 3-dimensional printing is a key enabling technology for personalized medicine in pharmaceuticals.
• Further research and development in 3DP hold significant promise for advancing patient-specific treatments.
• Addressing regulatory challenges is crucial for the widespread adoption of 3DP in healthcare.