3D Printing of Pharmaceuticals and Transdermal Drug Delivery-An Overview

Three-dimensional printing is a novel technique offering the ability to print transdermal drug delivery systems on demand. Such printing techniques have already been used in the fields of dentistry, orthopedics and pharmaceuticals; highlighting the latter, printing medical devices and various active pharmaceutical ingredient formulations, which possess various geometries with controlled release characteristics, have also been utilized. An overview of these pharmaceuticals is presented in this study, with an emphasis on transdermal patches that can be 3D printed. Several printing technologies and material systems are discussed, which are customizable and generate complex geometries with inherent precision that satisfy the transdermal system and enhance bioavailability. Case studies, advantages and limitations of the technology are discussed. Industry forecasts based on this technology is predicted to reach over USD 8 Billion by 2025, but the pharmaceutical industry is conservative and utilizes cost-effectivemethods for large-scale production. 3D Printing could revolutionize current 'one size fits all' manufacturing and would be utilized throughout the drug development timeline.