The 3D-Printed Drugs Market size is expected to reach US$83.08 million by 2031, as per the new report by The Insight Partners. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2023 to 2031. The adoption of novel technologies in 3D drug printing to streamline procedural outcomes is likely to remain a key 3D-Printed Drugs Market trend.
The market has been segmented based on three parameters, which are dosage forms, technology, and region. The dosage forms section includes tablets, capsules, multi-drug implants, nanoparticles, solutions, and others. Technology includes inkjet printing, direct write, zip dose, thermal inkjet printing, fused deposition modeling, powder bed printing, stereolithography, and semi-solid extrusion.
A 3D-printed drug is a pharmaceutical product that is produced via 3D printing technology to form a 3D solid from the digital file. 3D-printed drugs contribute an important aspect to personalized medicine. The technology also assists in the study of tailored drug release profiles. It is defined as the digital file comprising details of the preferred drug release profile for 3D-printed drugs. The profile includes the following information: drug concentration, release rate and kinetics, time-dependent release profile, and material properties. This will assist in the creation of personalized medicine with accurate drug delivery, which leads to improved efficiency, increased patient compliance, and fewer side effects.
The 3D-Printed Drug growth is ascribed to key driving factors, including increasing awareness of 3D printing and extensive developments in 3D printing research. 3D-printed drugs refer to pharmaceuticals initiated using 3D printing technology, which enables the accurate manufacturing of intricate structures and customized dosages. This approach provides numerous advantages such as personalized medicine, complex geometries, rapid prototyping, on-demand production, and enhanced drug delivery. Spritam and ZipDose are some of the 3D-printed drugs.
The key end users for the 3D-Printed Drug Market continue to grow, with notable opportunities in evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product’s benefits. With increasing demand, companies are growing their product offerings, innovating to address the needs of consumers, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further drive market growth.
The increasing prevalence of Dysphagia is the driving factor for the 3D-Printed Drugs. Various epidemiologic studies indicate that the occurrence of dysphagia is prevalent among the elderly and children. Based on the statistics of the CDC, more than 795,000 individuals are victims of strokes annually in the US, of which 50% are associated with swallowing dysfunction. Moreover, different neurological disorders have been projected to be linked with dysphagia.
3D-Printed Drugs Research for Personalised Pills
A new technique for 3D printing medication has enabled the printing of multiple drugs in a single tablet, paving the way for personalized pills that can deliver timed doses. Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing have led research alongside the School of Pharmacy that has fabricated personalised medicine using Multi-Material InkJet 3D Printing (MM-IJ3DP).
3D-Printed Drugs Driver
Personalized Medicine
3D printed drugs enable highly customized medications tailored to individual needs, allowing for precise dosages, drug combinations, and release profiles based on a patient’s age, genetics, or medical condition
On-Demand Manufacturing
3D-printed drug can be produced instantly at hospitals or pharmacies, offering rapid access in emergencies, remote areas, or during supply chain disruptions, especially for time-sensitive or short-shelf-life medications.
- Complex Drug Designs
3D Printed drugs support innovative drug geometries and multi-drug polypills with programmed release rates, improving treatment outcomes and simplifying complex regimens by combining several medications into one dose
Improved Patient Compliance
3D-printed drugs enable easier-to-swallow tablets, pleasant-tasting formulations, and reduced pill burden through polypills, improving medication adherence, especially in children, elderly patients, and those with chronic conditions.
Reduced Waste and Environmental Impact
Additive manufacturing uses only necessary materials, minimizing production waste. On-demand production reduces expired drug stockpiles, packaging, and transportation, supporting environmentally friendly pharmaceutical supply chains.
3D-Printed Drugs News and Recent Developments
Recent developments have expanded the potential applications of 3D printing in drug manufacturing, leading to more efficient and targeted therapies.
In September 2024, Adare Pharma Solutions, a global technology-driven CDMO focused on oral dosage forms, announced a collaboration with Laxxon Medical, a pharma-technology company pioneering a new generation of advanced pharmaceuticals, to provide the pharmaceutical market with cGMP 3D printing capabilities from Adare’s Pessano facility in Milan, Italy.
In January 2024, Triastek announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted clearance to proceed with the Investigational New Drug of the company’s 3D-printed product T22, making it the first 3D-printed gastric retention product to receive this designation. Triastek is preparing to initiate clinical studies with T22 to fast-track product development.
In October 2023, Finnish healthtech company CurifyLabs announced the launch first in the world GMP-produced Pharma Inks for 3D printable medicines. CurifyLabs’ Pharma Kit, including automated 3D printing technology and printable pharmaceutical inks, enables wider adoption of personalized medicine, resulting in better future care for patients with different needs, according to the company.
Conclusion
3D-printed drugs are revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry by enabling personalized medicine, improving patient compliance, and offering on-demand manufacturing solutions. With innovations such as multi-drug polypills, customizable release profiles, and environmentally friendly production, this technology is meeting the evolving needs of both patients and healthcare providers. The growing market, supported by advancements in printing techniques and regulatory milestones, highlights its increasing relevance. Strategic partnerships and research breakthroughs are further accelerating development. As 3D printing becomes more accessible and scalable, it promises to reshape how medications are designed, produced, and delivered, ushering in a new era of precision and patient-centered pharmaceutical care.
