Three-dimensional (3D) printing is revolutionizing pharmaceutical manufacturing by enabling the creation of customized dosage forms tailored to individual patient needs. This advancement is particularly significant in gastrointestinal (GI) therapy, where precise drug delivery is crucial for efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Advancements in 3D-Printed Drug Delivery Systems

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of 3D printing in developing drug delivery systems that can be personalized for specific GI conditions. For instance, Triastek’s T21 tablets utilize 3D printing technology to achieve targeted drug release in the colon, enhancing treatment effectiveness for conditions like ulcerative colitis (1).

Addressing Challenges in GI Drug Delivery

Delivering drugs to the GI tract presents challenges due to varying pH levels, enzymatic activity, and transit times. 3D printing allows for the design of complex dosage forms that can navigate these challenges. By customizing the drug’s release profile and targeting specific GI regions, 3D-printed formulations can improve bioavailability and reduce systemic side effects. (2)

Further reading: Enhancing Patient Safety: The Role of Pharmacovigilance in Risk Management of GI Drugs

Future Perspectives

The integration of 3D printing in pharmaceutical manufacturing holds promise for developing more effective and personalized GI therapies. As the technology advances, it is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in overcoming current drug delivery challenges, leading to improved patient outcomes.

References:

  1. Triastek’s T21 Study Results: Triastek. T21 Tablets: A Colon-Targeted Oral Drug Delivery System. Available at: https://www.triastek.com/detail/25.html
  2. Advancements in Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery: Alshammari ND, Elkanayati R, Vemula SK, et al. Advancements in Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Review on Recent Techniques with Emphasis on Hot-Melt Extrusion and 3D Printing Technologies. AAPS PharmSciTech. 2024;26(1):12. doi:10.1208/s12249-024-02965-w. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1208/s12249-024-02965-w

Photo: Dreamstime