Reshaping drug development using 3D printing. Issue 8 (August 2018) - Awad, Atheer
Highlights: 3DP is forecast to become the single biggest disruptive technology to the global industry. 3DP is likely to cause a paradigm shift in pharmaceutical manufacture and supply. 3DP could be applied to the different phases of drug development. The adoption of 3DP could raise several regulatory, legal and ethical considerations. Abstract : The pharmaceutical industry stands on the brink of a revolution, calling for the recognition and embracement of novel techniques. 3D printing (3DP) is forecast to reshape the way in which drugs are designed, manufactured, and used. Although a clear trend towards personalised fabrication is perceived, here we accentuate the merits and shortcomings of each technology, providing insights into aspects such as the efficiency of production, global supply, and logistics. Contemporary opportunities for 3DP in drug discovery and pharmaceutical development and manufacturing are unveiled, offering a forward-looking view on its potential uses as a digitised tool for personalised dispensing of drugs.