3D Printing in Pharmaceutics: Revolutionizing Drug Formulation and Manufacturing

Abstract

3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology in pharmaceutical sciences, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation in drug formulation and manufacturing. This review explores the applications, benefits, and challenges associated with integrating 3D printing into pharmaceutics. Various 3D printing technologies, including fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, and binder jet printing, are discussed, highlighting their potential to create complex dosage forms, personalized medicines, and combination therapies. These technologies enable precise control over drug release profiles, dosage customization, and the development of formulations for poorly soluble drugs. Despite its significant promise, the adoption of 3D printing in pharmaceuticals faces challenges such as regulatory approval, scalability for mass production, and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional manufacturing methods. The article reviews current successes, such as the FDA-approved 3D-printed drug Spritam®, and examines ongoing advancements in materials science and computational tools that are poised to address these challenges. Ethical and environmental considerations, including patient accessibility and sustainability of printing materials, are also discussed. Looking ahead, the integration of artificial intelligence and 3D bioprinting technologies offers exciting possibilities, such as creating biologics, orphan drugs, and personalized therapies. This review underscores the transformative potential of 3D printing in redefining drug formulation and manufacturing, paving the way for a future of highly tailored and efficient pharmaceutical solutions.