Abstract

3D PRINTING IN PHARMACEUTICS: REVOLUTIONIZING DRUG FORMULATION AND DELIVERY

Shamoon Mohamad Shamoon, Mashaer Abdelazim Ibrahim Bakhit and Y. Sravani*

ABSTRACT

The integration of 3D printing technology in pharmaceutics has sparked a paradigm shift in drug formulation and delivery. This review explores the multifaceted impact of 3D printing on the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting its advantages, challenges, and future prospects. Advancements in 3D printing technology enable precise customization of drug dosage forms, offering tailored solutions for personalized medicine. Complex drug delivery profiles, including immediate, sustained, and controlled release, are achievable through innovative printing techniques. Moreover, the integration of multiple drugs into a single dosage form enhances patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy. Despite its transformative potential, 3D printing in pharmaceutics faces regulatory, quality control, and scalability challenges. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to accommodate the unique characteristics of 3D printed drugs, ensuring safety and efficacy. Quality control measures and standardized protocols are essential to guarantee the reproducibility and reliability of 3D printed pharmaceuticals. Additionally, scalability and production speed are areas of concern that require further optimization to meet the demands of mass production. Looking ahead, future advancements in 3D printing technology, including multi-material printing and integration with emerging technologies like AI and IoT, hold promise for enhancing pharmaceutical manufacturing. The potential impact on the pharmaceutical industry includes personalized medicine, sustainable production practices, and accelerated drug development. Collaborative efforts between stakeholders will drive research and development initiatives, leading to a broader range of FDA-approved 3D printed medications and widespread adoption in mainstream pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Keywords: 3D printing, drug formulation, personalized medicine, regulatory challenges, quality control, scalability, technological advancements, integration, future perspectives.