Understandably, people would be concerned about what 3D-printed pharmaceuticals are and how the whole process works. After all, most people don’t know much about 3D printing technology and its abilities.
That’s why creating a dialogue with consumers, explaining what 3D printing is and how it works, and building engagement and patient education is so important.
So, what are 3D-printed pharmaceuticals, and how do they work? First, let’s take a closer look at how 3D-printed pharmaceuticals are set to revolutionize how we take medication.
What Are 3D Printed Pharmaceuticals?
Let’s use headache pills as an example. Right now, you can go to your doctor or pharmacist and buy a packet of tablets. Now, you’ll have a lot of different options like rapid release, gel, small tablets, etc., but essentially whatever product you choose will be exactly like every other one of those pills made.
Those headache pills are made in giant batches of millions of pills, and each one is exactly like the next.
However, now imagine you prefer a headache pill that doesn’t get released as quickly, or you only want a small amount. You would be out of luck. Or would you?
3D printing uses the same ingredients found in any pharmaceutical pill but creates them using 3D printing technology instead of mass-produced pills made on an assembly line. So, what’s the big deal about 3D printing pharmaceuticals?
Personalized Medication Made to Order
Imagine you could get personalized medication that was created specifically for you and your condition. Not only that, but your local pharmacist could, in theory, print out those pills for you right there on the spot. While we might not be at that stage yet, that’s where the 3D printing of pharmaceuticals is heading.
So, not only are you getting a better product that’s suited to you and your condition, but you’re receiving better healthcare, you’ll be happier with your doctor, and ultimately healthier.
You can learn more about 3D printing and personalized medication in our article on the Future of Personalized Medication and the Role 3D Printing plays in it.
Improving Patient Education and Engagement
As the technology behind the 3D printing of pharmaceutical products improves and becomes more widely available, education and engagement with all stakeholders is vital. Some of the potential benefits of 3D-printed drugs include:
Personalized Medication – Including customizable dosages, strengths, and even the potential ability to combine multiple pills into one pill.
Faster Production – Equals reduced costs, improved supply chains, and a better experience for the patient.
New Formulations – These are faster and easier to make, with pharmaceutical companies simply having to create pre-loaded files ready for printing.
Increased Security – Thanks to QR codes which can be directly printed onto tablets and then utilized to track pharmaceutical shipments while also giving patients more accessible access to product information, ingredients, and potential side effects.
3D printing of pharmaceuticals is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry, and perhaps it won’t be long before your next subscription will be fully customized and printed at your local pharmacy. You never know!
Laxxon Medical is dedicated to engineering patented 3D pharmaceutical solutions which optimize products and benefit patients. Our goal is to establish SPID®-Technology as a manufacturing process that has the individual and the pharmaceutical partner in mind.
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