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The potential of three-dimensional printing for pediatric oral solid dosage forms
Klemen Kreft1, Marina Fanous2, Volker Möckel2
11Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d., a Sandoz Company, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Acta Pharmaceutica (Zagreb, Croatia)
|May 30, 2024
Summary
3D printing offers a promising solution for creating personalized pediatric medications, overcoming limitations of current dosing methods. This technology enables tailored doses, custom release profiles, and improved palatability, enhancing treatment adherence for children.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical technology
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Additive manufacturing
Background:
- Pediatric medication dosing presents unique challenges due to developmental and pharmacokinetic variability.
- Current methods like tablet splitting and liquid compounding lack precision and patient acceptance.
- Individualized dosing is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of 3D printing for personalized pediatric medication.
- To review 3D printing technologies applicable to pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- To discuss strategies for integrating 3D printing into pediatric pharmacotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of 3D printing technologies and their pharmaceutical applications.
- Analysis of individualization options: dosage, release kinetics, shape, and palatability.
- Proposal of a decentralized manufacturing model for point-of-care 3D printing.
Main Results:
- 3D printing allows for precise, individualized pediatric dosing and customized drug release.
- Potential for improved medication adherence through enhanced palatability and novel dosage forms.
- A decentralized model facilitates point-of-care production of 3D printed medications.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing technology holds significant promise for personalized pediatric oral medications.
- Addressing regulatory, quality, and intellectual property challenges is essential for widespread adoption.
- Further research and development are needed to fully realize the clinical benefits of 3D printed drugs in pediatrics.
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