Understanding 3D Printed Drugs

3D printed drugs enable the production of personalized dosage forms tailored to individual patient needs. These medications can be customized to contain specific dosages of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) according to the patient’s requirements, optimizing treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of under or overmedication. These medications are created using 3D printing techniques, allowing for precise control over the formulation, composition, and design of drug dosage forms.

Future of Global 3D Printed Drugs Market

One of the most influential aspects propelling the future of 3D printed drugs is the shift toward personalized medicine. 3D printing technology allows pharmaceuticals to be tailored to individual patient needs, offering precise dosages, customized drug combinations, and specific release profiles. This trend is likely to continue growing as healthcare focuses increasingly on personalized treatments for various diseases and conditions.

This technology is projected to be available to the general public within the next 5-10 years. In April 2020, the UK-based startup FabRx produced the first commercially accessible 3D printer. Merck and Amalgamated Medical Care Management Inc. announced in February 2020 that they will collaborate to develop 3D technologies for use in clinical trials and, eventually, clinical production.

Many biotech and pharmaceutical firms have begun to spend money and labour in the development of these printers. They have focused on increasing the precision and repeatability of these pharmaceuticals, as well as the time it takes to print a single tablet. Furthermore, every pill created using this technique will be subjected to testing to guarantee that it is safe for general use. Spritam (levetiracetam) is an example of a 3D-printed drug that has been authorised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. This anti-epileptic medicine is accessible in significantly larger concentrations than standard production procedures can provide. Furthermore, it dissolves quickly, allowing it to be absorbed more efficiently.

Key Developments in Global 3D Printed Drugs Market

In October 2023, CurifyLabs, a Finnish healthtech firm, has announced the release of what it claims are the world’s first GMP created Pharma Inks for 3D printing pharmaceuticals. According to CurifyLabs, this is a revolutionary approach to manufacturing patient-tailored and personalised medications in pharmacies and hospitals.

In July 2023, T21, Triastek, Inc.’s third 3D printing medicine candidate, has completed its first in human research to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

Key Companies in the Global 3D Printed Drugs Market:

• Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC
• Cycle Pharmaceuticals Limited
• FABRX LTD.
• Hewlett Packard
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Triastek
• Other market participants

Key Segments Profiled in the 3D Printed Drugs Market:

By Dosage Form

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Multi Drug implants
• Nanomedicine
• Others

By Technology

• Thermal Inkjet printing method
• Zip dose method
• Binder Jet Printing
• Fused Deposition Modelling  (FDM)
• Semi solid Extrusion
• Direct Powder Extrusion
• Stereo-lithography
• Selective Laser Sintering

By Application

• Oncology
• Rare diseases
• Metabolic disorders
• Transplants
• Nutraceuticals
• Others

By End Users

• Academic researchers
• Clinical pharmacists
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Others

By Region

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America)
• Europe (France, The UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway), Benelux Union (Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg), Rest of Europe)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Rest of Southeast Asia), Rest of Asia Pacific)
• Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa)
• Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America)