Made-on-demand, complex and personalized 3D-printed drug products.

Abstract

Layer-by-layer fabrication of three dimensional (3D) objects from digital models is called 3D printing. This technology established just about three decades ago at the confluence of materials science, chemistry, robotics, and optics researches to ease the fabrication of UV-cured resin prototypes. The 3D technology was rapidly considered as a standard instrument in the aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods production factories. Nowadays, research interests in the 3D printed products have been raised and achieved ever-increasing traction in the pharmaceutical industry; so that, the first 3D printed drug product was approved by FDA in August 2015. This editorial summarizes the competitive advantages of the 3D printing for the made-on-demand, personalized and complex products, manufacturing of which establish opportunities for enhancing the accessibility, effectiveness, and safety of drugs.