Advances in 3D Printing of Biopharmaceuticals

Modern technology has enabled the development of novel dosage forms for targeted therapy. However, the fabrication of novel dosage forms at industrial scale is limited and the industry still runs on conventional drug delivery systems, especially modified tablets. The introduction of 3D printing technology in the pharmaceutical industry has opened new horizons in the research and development of printed materials and devices. The main benefits of 3D printing technology lie in the production of small batches of medicines, each with tailored dosages, shapes, sizes, and release characteristics.

Industrial and academic researchers have recently examined the use of 3D printing technologies to overcome the limitations associated with conventional manufacturing processes. These technologies involved fabrication of three-dimensional structures through additive joining of materials in a layer-by-layer manner. The introduction of 3D printing technology in the pharmaceutical industry has opened new horizons in the research and development of printed materials and devices. The main benefits of 3D printing technology lie in the production of small batches of medicines, each with tailored dosages, shapes, sizes, and release characteristics. The manufacture of medicines in this way may finally lead to the concept of personalized medicines becoming a reality.

By way of followup, this week’s available deck is titled “Advances in 3D printing of biopharmaceuticals” from Joseph Della Rocca at Merck. Joe was a past speaker at our Global Drug Bioavailability Enhancement Summit. This presentation overviews 3D printing technologies in biotechnology, 3D printed dosage forms for on-site formulation and 3D printing technology at Merck as a tool to guide formulation development. It additionally examines 3DP capsules for regional absorption studies, 3DP controlled release capsules, development of 3DP filaments for clinical use and conversion of the 3DP capsule to clinically relevant materials. To view this presentation and other novel delivery and bioavailability enhancement approaches, click below.