Pharmaceutical printing is a process of making medicine in a digital, rapid, and decentralised manner. It consists of a combination of artificial intelligence and printing technology. The use of this technology is currently gaining popularity in the pharmaceutical industry. Among other things, it can create custom-made, multi-drug dosage forms for patients.
Personalized, Multi-Drug 3d Printed
The first FDA-approved 3D printed drug product was introduced in August 2015: SPRITAM(r). This is an anticancer medicine with biphasic drug release. It has been evaluated in a number of studies.
One of the main advantages of 3D printing is that it enables personalised dosage forms. These can be produced in small batches and on demand. As a result, patients can take their medicines at the point of care.
In addition to providing benefits for patients, 3D printing can also bring about a paradigm shift in clinical pharmacy practice. Although a number of studies have been conducted on this subject, a large number of challenges remain before 3D printing is widely adopted in the pharmaceutical sector.
The first challenge is to gain widespread acceptance of the technology by all stakeholders in the sector. This requires increased investment in research and development from research funders. Also, the regulatory requirements need to be addressed.
Another challenge is the development of a pharmaceutically-appropriate 3D printer. Such a device could be used to produce a polypill, which is a tablet containing several drugs. Polypills may offer synergistic effects, reduce side effects and decrease the number of pills needed.
Rapid, Digital and Decentralized Manner
Rapid, digital and decentralised pharmaceutical printing has the potential to change the way medicines are produced. It provides a more flexible and personalised medicine manufacturing platform, enabling drug companies to produce drugs on demand. This could also lead to improvements in patient engagement, medicines adherence and treatment efficacy.
As well as personalised medicine production, 3D printing can also help reduce the carbon footprint of medicine manufacture. For example, 3D printing could allow astronauts to make their own medications in space.
Although 3D printing has been a big buzzword in the pharmaceutical industry for some time, its clinical use is still relatively limited. However, the technology has already shown considerable promise, with several studies highlighting its potential to create a range of personalised medicines.
In order to fully integrate 3D printing into the clinical environment, healthcare professionals need to have a buy-in. They need to be trained to use the technology and have a clear understanding of how it can benefit patients.
Combination with Ai
The pharmaceutical industry has shown an interest in the potential of using 3D printing and AI for the development of medicines. There are several reasons for this. They include enhancing patient engagement and improving treatment efficacy. In addition, 3D printing offers an eco-friendly method of making medicines. While it is unlikely that this will overtake the conventional mass production of certain medications, it could become a stepping stone towards more efficient drug product development processes.
A few studies have highlighted the potential of using this technology to create a wide variety of medicines. Other research has shown how it can improve the speed and efficiency of clinical trials.
Some of the most exciting developments have been in the field of solid dosage forms. These include the use of AI to predict chemical and physical stability of a solid dispersion. It has also been found that the formulation development process can be streamlined with the help of AI.
Cost
The printing industry has been struggling with the global pandemic, paper shortages and uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Now, with the arrival of 3D printing, pharmaceutical companies can produce innovative drugs products that reduce cost and increase sustainability. However, there are still a few hurdles to overcome before the industry can realize the full potential of the technology.
One of the most significant challenges facing the pharmaceutical printing industry is the sheer volume of jobs that need to be printed. With the increased demand for less expensive medicines, the market for pharmaceutical printing is expected to grow.
Unlike batch-made medications, 3D-printed medicines can be personalized to the needs of individual patients. This could enable better treatment adherence, higher treatment efficacy and improved patient engagement. In addition, they help to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and transport.
A growing number of clinical trials and drug development studies have shown the benefits of 3D printing. These include less waste and faster novel dosage form production. As such, more pharmaceutical companies are looking to insource print to improve their process.