Perspectives on 3D printed personalized medicines for pediatrics

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology offers significant advantages in pharmaceutical development, particularly for personalized drug formulations.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of 3D-printed drugs has accelerated the adoption of personalized drug delivery systems.
• 3D printing technology is adept at meeting the specific dosage requirements for pediatric patients and managing complex multi-drug combinations.

Approach:

• This review focuses on the application of 3D printing in pediatric pharmaceutical preparations.
• It examines the fundamental principles, benefits, and drawbacks of utilizing 3D printing for pediatric drug formulations.
• The review compiles and evaluates various applications and refined formulations for pediatric use.

Key Points:

• 3D printing enables precise control over drug dosage forms, crucial for pediatric populations.
• The technology facilitates the creation of customized drug combinations, addressing complex treatment regimens.
• Personalized pediatric drug delivery is enhanced through the adaptability of 3D printing.
• The review discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing in pediatric applications.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing technology holds substantial promise for advancing personalized drug delivery in pediatric care.
• The review provides a theoretical foundation for implementing 3D printing in clinical pediatric settings.
• Further research and clinical trials are encouraged to fully realize the potential of 3D-printed medications for children.