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International Journal of Bioprinting Semi-solid extrusion for pediatric medicine

good printability without the need for solid-phase carriers This technology addresses critical issues for small-scale
or a cooling system on the build plate. These active production, such as dose accuracy, palatability, and ease
substances, for which pharmacies already produce various of administration, thereby improving adherence and
preparations, are excellent candidates for the approach. therapeutic outcomes.
The application of 3D printing in pharmaceutical The ability to produce polypills with varying release
manufacturing minimizes the need for excessive excipients. profiles and chewable, taste-masked formulations
The two major components of a 3D-printed tablet or demonstrates 3D printing’s potential to revolutionize
dosage form are the polymer matrix and drug component. medication for conditions requiring precise therapeutic
Hence, the use of 3D-printed dosage forms for disease control. Moreover, the flexibility and precision of 3D
treatment reduces the risk of unwanted side effects and printing make it an invaluable tool for creating personalized
enhances therapeutic efficacy. Personalized medicine treatments that traditional compounding methods cannot
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demands tailored treatments, which can be provided achieve with the same efficiency or safety.
by compounding. Besides an individualized dose, other Despite these promising developments, the practical
specific patient needs, such as sensory processing disorders, production of these drugs will depend on the pharmacies’
food allergies, and dietary needs, can be accommodated by and hospitals’ ability to manage the risks involved in
compounding. production, considering the criticality of the drug and
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Due to their ease of administration, absence of toxic the hospital’s resources for development and production.
excipients, improved palatability, and flexible dosing, 3D Furthermore, the successful integration of 3D printing into
printing has demonstrated its significant value across routine clinical practice requires ongoing research, as well
various pharmaceutical applications. 3D-printed tablets as clarification of legislation and harmonization between
can be produced to avoid swallowing issues (chewable countries. Ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of
tablets), with different release profiles (e.g., immediate or 3D-printed medications will involve robust quality control
controlled release), unique features (e.g., high drug loads), measures and specialized training for personnel involved
and better palatability that can be tailored to individual in the drug manufacturing process.
patient needs. The challenges associated with this novel production
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Despite the technological challenges, several teams method include the need for personalization, ease of
have successfully addressed these issues in real-world administration, and long-term patient compliance. It is
applications, particularly focusing on rare diseases with of paramount importance to monitor patient compliance
low therapeutic indices. This approach optimizes treatment with these novel drugs, even if initial studies yield favorable
effectiveness while reducing undesirable effects. 131,134,159 feedback indicating that these personalized forms are well
Although current technology exhibits limitations with adhered to by patients. 98
regard to its applications, enhancements in printing velocity In conclusion, 3D printing technology represents
and the concurrent utilization of multiple printheads are a transformative approach to personalized medicine,
expected to improve the quantity of material that can addressing long-standing formulation challenges and
be produced. paving the way for safer, more effective, and more
In the forthcoming years, the capacity to optimize these acceptable medications. Continued innovation and
parameters will prove pivotal in determining whether the regulatory support will be essential to fully realize its
focus remains on rare diseases, where the demand is high, potential in improving patient care and outcomes.
or shifts to more prevalent diseases with similarly high
demand. Nevertheless, the ability to meet the demand will Acknowledgments
remain a crucial consideration. This review was produced as part of the 13 Journée
th
Scientifique du Médicament, organized by the Département
4. Conclusion de Pharmacochimie Moléculaire (UMR CNRS-UGA 5063)
This review highlights significant advancements in and the Grenoble University Hospital Center (CHUGA).
pediatric pharmacotherapy through 3D printing The event, which focused on the 3D printing of medicinal
technology. Traditional formulations have long struggled products, was held on June 13, 2024.
to meet the specific needs of the populations, leading to
off-label use and potential safety risks. In contrast, 3D Funding
printing, particularly SSE technology, offers promising This work was partially supported by Agence Nationale
solutions by enabling the production of customized de la Recherche through Labex ARCANE and
drug formulations tailored to individual patient needs. CBH-EUR-GS (ANR-17-EURE-0003).
Volume 10 Issue 6 (2024) 58 doi: 10.36922/ijb.4063