Formulation Research and Development, Micro Labs Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Traditional drug delivery systems are often unsuitable for paediatric patients due to their unique developmental stages and specific dosing requirements are distinct from those of other groups within the population. Oral delivery is recognized as the most user-friendly and popular method in therapeutic practices due to its safety, high patient compliance, ease of administration, affordable price, and flexibility. The challenge of medication adherence is increasingly recognized as a critical public health issue, with poor adherence to treatment linked to negative health consequences and higher patient expenses. The current approaches and recent advancement 3d printed oral film in the field of age-appropriate medicament delivery for paediatric patients are critically discussed including personalized formulations. To effectively address this issue, interventions must be tailored to the unique characteristics of therapeutic regimens that reflect the needs of patients. Special attention should be given to the geriatric and paediatric populations, as their particular needs and preferences are vital considerations in the design of pharmaceutical products. 3D-printing technologies provide the capability to design dosage forms that are customized to the needs of individual patients. This technology can also be leveraged to create shapes that are more appealing to children, such as stars and flowers, potentially improving adherence in this demographic. The objective of this mini review is to outline the existing 3D printing technologies utilized in the fabrication of oral films, to present their respective advantages and limitations, and to explore a range of formulation strategies.
Oral delivery is the most convenient and popular method in medication therapy due to its safety, high compliance among patient, convenience of administration, affordability, and flexibility. It does not necessitate sterile conditions.[1][2] Several manufactured medicinal products are currently accessible on the market, and they typically take various tablets, powders, liquids, capsules, granules, or syrups. Because of swallowing issues, paediatric, elderly, and paraplegic patients have trouble taking medications in capsule or tablet form. Aside from these well-known oral formulations, orodispersible films (ODFs) are an alternative and new oral drug formulation that is now being studied and attention to due to their unique features.[3] Currently, there are significant barriers to the administration of medications in paediatric care. It is reported that about 30% of paediatric medications used around the world are off-label. The predominant formulations that have been approved are capsules or tablets, which are routinely transformed into extemporaneously prepared oral solutions that have not been authorized by regulatory bodies.[4] The practice without a prescription drug usage in young people and teens poses risks of dosing errors and adverse effects. Additionally, pharmacokinetic differences between adult and younger populations, as well as among various paediatric age groups, can be significant. For example, the volume of distribution can vary widely with age, leading to the necessity of weight-based dosing for younger patients. Furthermore, while older children may be able to ingest solid tablets, neonates are unable to do so. As a result, the majority of commercially available drug formulations are not optimal for children and adolescents.[5] A prominent class of drug delivery systems that overcomes the difficulties associated with most oral formulations in paediatric patients is the orally dis dissolving drug carriers. These carriers are preferable to liquid formulations due to their reduced volume, accurate dosing, and improved stability. Moreover, orodispersible drug formulations do not require the patient to swallow them whole, making them appropriate for children of all ages.[5]
To address these issues, a unique dosage form evolved to Deliver drugs quickly and efficiently through oral administration, avoiding the use of the water. This innovative dosage form has been given the name of an oral fast-dissolving drug delivery system. This technique promotes patient compliance by delivering medications to the site of action more rapidly and effectively, with immediate disintegration, dissolution, and administration, eliminating the need for chewing and swallowing. This unique strategy has altered the traditional drug delivery mechanism for oral medications, allowing drug release with a modified dose form, and substituting oral tablets with oral films that disintegrate quickly. [6]
Orodispersible films are single or bilayer sheets containing suitable components that dispersed quickly when inserted into the cavity of the mouth. They are often rectangular or square, although they can come in rounds and U shape designs. They inherently have a larger surface area than oro-dispersible tablets (ODTs) and as such, often have faster disintegration time.[7] Oro-dispersible films are composed of thin polymeric strips that are notable for their ability to quickly dissolve on the tongue without the need for chewing or swallowing, facilitating rapid drug release. They have several benefits over conventional dose forms, including simplicity of self-administration and the removal of water needs during ingestion, which may greatly enhance patient adherence. Films provide greater dose flexibility than tablets since they may be sliced to the proper size to generate a variety of strengths. Due to their small size, light weight, and thin form, one of the key drawbacks is the small drug dose that may be integrated, which means that only highly potent drugs are suited for ODFs systems.[5,8]
Fig no. 1: Ideal features of Oro-dispersible film
Moreover, they are stable, and effective, and improve bioavailability by reducing the effects of first-pass metabolism.[9] Upon intake, orally disintegrating films (ODF) dissolve promptly upon contact with saliva in the oral cavity, resulting in the release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This characteristic enables the oral administration of drugs to patients for whom conventional oral formulations may not be the preferred option, especially in cases of swallowing difficulties. Furthermore, recent advancements in manufacturing and compounding processes have provided the capability to create tailored drug formulations that meet the individual needs of patients, thereby enhancing the potential applications of ODFs.[10]
Fig no. 2: Advantages of 3D-Printed dosage form in pharmaceutical field.
Fabrication Technique of oro-dispersible film
Several techniques, encompassing solvent casting, hot-melt extrusion, electrospinning, and three-dimensional printing (3D-printing) technology, have been developed and explored.
3D printing Technologies
The innovative technique of 3D printing has gained substantial attention as a novel manufacturing approach, primarily due to its unique advantages over traditional methods. It not only supports a continuous, one-step manufacturing process but also enables the production of tailored pharmaceutical dosages, thus promoting personalized healthcare solutions. This technology, often referred to as additive manufacturing (AM), relies on computer-aided design (CAD) to layer materials selectively, resulting in components that meet specific geometric requirements. The deposition of materials in 3D printing varies according to the specific type of printer employed, which generally operates on three fundamental principles: inkjet-based systems, extrusion-based systems, and laser-based systems.[11]
Inkjet printing, a technique that involves the precise deposition of liquid bio-ink onto a planar surface without physical contact, originated from desktop inkjet printers. This technique uses thermal, piezoelectric, or electromagnetic techniques to emit bio-inks as droplets from a nozzle. This principle is also applied to 3D printing using functional materials on edible polymeric substrates.[12] There are two main types of inkjet printing: Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and Drop-On-Demand (DOD) inkjet printing. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) technology uses a steady flow of ink to create droplets and deposition onto a substrate, regulated by piezoelectric transducers and an electrostatic field. Drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printing generates droplets based on specific signals, resulting in more efficient use of ink. There are two distinct kinds of print heads used in DOD: thermal and piezoelectric. Piezoelectric print heads are ideal for drug delivery applications, as they can operate at room temperature and are compatible with biocompatible solvents. Thermal print heads require higher temperatures, potentially affecting active component stability. DOD inkjet printing consists of two main types: drop-on-liquid printing and drop-on-solid printing.[13] Drop-on-liquid printing involves layering liquid droplets through a thermal stream, creating a structured formation as the solvent evaporates. This method is used to create microstructures for customized drug delivery systems, overcoming challenges like suboptimal drug loading and variability in microstructure shapes. Drop-on-solid printing, on the other hand, involves placing liquid droplets onto a powder bed's surface, forming a solid structure through powder fusion, or generating a solid bed through solvent evaporation. The drop-on-solid deposition technique is used to create controlled drug delivery systems for pharmaceutical substances.[14] [15] It involves incorporating API into powder beds or binder inks, allowing for significant drug-loading levels. Polymeric substances like ethyl cellulose and Eudragit can be used as binder inks to control release rates. The use of multiple colors enhances product aesthetics and patient compliance, especially for elderly and young patients. However, the technique has limitations like high porosity, stability issues from organic solvents, and complex ink preparation processes. Inkjet 3D printing is particularly useful for rapid prototyping in industries like aerospace, automotive, and architecture. Its high accuracy, material versatility, and high-resolution output make it an invaluable tool in various sectors.[16] [17]
Fig no. 3: Schematic diagram of inkjet based by thermal and piezoelectric techniques.
Extrusion-based 3D printing system
Extrusion-based printing has attracted considerable attention, primarily due to its promising capabilities. Pharmaceutical researchers are particularly interested in this technology because of its economical nature, design flexibility, and the range of polymers that can be incorporated into the printing process. The two most frequently used techniques in this area are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Semi-Solid Extrusion (SSE).
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) represents a three-dimensional printing methodology that involves the layer-by-layer application of molten polymer onto a base to construct a three-dimensional entity. The widespread appeal of FDM can be attributed, in part, to its affordability, user-friendly nature, and adaptability, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of users, including both enthusiasts and industrial producers. The formulation of drug-loaded polymeric filaments, which include chosen excipients, is generally conducted via the hot melt extrusion (HME) technique. HME is esteemed for its simplicity and reliability, making it a favored approach in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly when integrated with FDM for the production of solid oral dosage forms. HME operates on the principle of utilizing heat and pressure to melt and amalgamate a combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, and other additives. After the mixture is melted, it is cooled to solidify, producing a filament infused with the drug that can be utilized as the feed material for an FDM 3D printer.[18] The critical advantage of HME is its proficiency in achieving a consistent dispersion of APIs within the excipient matrix, thereby allowing for meticulous control over the release rates of the drug and the properties of the dosage form. The versatility of this method allows for the incorporation of various API, excipients, and additives such as taste-masking agents or colorants, thus enabling the production of customized drug products that align with specific patient needs. HME is a foundational technology in pharmaceutical 3D printing, known for its reliability and effectiveness. It serves as a powerful asset for pharmaceutical researchers and manufacturers in the development of drug formulation and delivery systems.[19] The benefits of FDM over conventional manufacturing techniques are considerable, especially in the production of printouts with intricate shapes and geometries, including cubes, pyramids, spheres, and toroids, which are often difficult or impossible to achieve with standard powder compaction methods. Nonetheless, FDM 3D printing raises potential sustainability concerns, particularly regarding its High utilization of energy and the ambiguous nature of its fume emissions. However, there is a significant opportunity for this technology to achieve sustainability, particularly in the preclinical stages. The use of FDM allows for the rapid and cost-efficient production of prototypes, which enhances the efficiency of testing, revising, and iterating printlets, thus decreasing waste. [20] [21]
Fig no. 4: 3D-Printed Orodispersible Film via Hot melt extrusion-based technique.
The technique of SSE involves the application of ink or gel at low temperatures, specifically between room temperature and 40 ?C. SSE formulations are primarily formulated with a binding agent and a selection of excipients, including fillers, which are determined by the nature of the intended printed object, such as orodispersible dosage forms. The viscosity of the ink is a critical factor influencing the printability of the formulation. The presence of high viscosity in ink formulations leads to a semi-solid consistency that requires significant pressure for extrusion, thereby heightening the risk of nozzle obstruction. In contrast, low-viscosity inks are prone to leaking from the nozzle, making deposition challenging. As a result, the formulation of these inks and the choice of excipients are guided by rheological evaluations, which encompass viscosity, yield stress, and flow index assessments.[22] [23]
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a laser-based technique that fuses powder materials by using a controlled laser beam to trace a pattern on the powder bed's surface. After forming an initial layer, a roller distributes an additional layer of powder over it. The object is assembled in a layered fashion, with each layer formed and retrieved from the powder bed below.[24] The principle of SLS is that a high-energy laser selectively fuses powdered materials, typically polymers or ceramics, layer by layer based on a digital model, creating solid structures that adhere to the design.[25] The SLS technique offers a high resolution of up to 0.2 mm for printed objects, compared to other techniques offering resolutions between 50 and 200 mm. The resolution and layer thickness of the printed object are determined by the intensity and exposure time of the laser beam. However, there are limited studies on SLS in 3D printing technology. This method uses lasers to elevate polymer temperature above their melting point, facilitating the hardening process, with the interaction between the laser beam and powder particles being crucial. SLS technology offers high-resolution printing and medication fabrication without solvents. However, high-energy lasers can cause drug degradation.[26] Future research could develop polymers absorbing laser light for dosage forms and 3D printing of pharmaceuticals. Challenges include API degradation, limited photosensitive polymers, and limitations on producing hollow structures. Future research should focus on developing these alternatives.[27]
Application of 3D-printed Oro-dispersible film
The study conducted by Juhyan Lee et.al assessed an orodispersible film formulated with aripiprazole, employing a combination of 3D printing techniques and hot-melt extrusion (HME) filament. The results indicated that the 3D-printed films demonstrated enhanced dissolution and disintegration rates relative to solvent-cast films, with hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) 3D-printed films achieving complete disintegration in 45 ± 3.5 seconds. Additionally, the dissolution rate of the HPC films reached 80% within a 30-minute timeframe at pH levels of 1.2 and 4.0 in the USP buffer. This study highlighted the critical role of film formation architectures in determining drug release profiles and suggested that mechanical uniformity could be specifically designed for each zone within a single dosage unit.[28] Nunzio Denora et.al has pioneered a novel oral mucoadhesive film through the Direct Powder Extrusion (DPE) 3D printing technique, aimed at delivering Clobetasol propionate, a drug utilized in the paediatric treatment of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP), a rare chronic disorder. The film's chemical and physical characteristics were enhanced via partial amorphization during the printing phase and the establishment of a multi-component complex with cyclodextrins. The resulting mucoadhesive films exhibited significant mucous adhesive characteristics, a resilient and elastic structure, and notable drug retention within the epithelial layer, thereby preventing systemic absorption. These attributes suggest that DPE-printed films may be a suitable candidate for paediatric OLP therapy.[29] The role of three-dimensional printing technology in the field of pharmaceutical technology is becoming increasingly significant due to its extensive range of applications. Researchers, including Witold Jamroz and his team, examined the synergy between fused deposition modeling and the creation of orodispersible films that incorporate poorly soluble substances like aripiprazole. They demonstrated the effective use of pharmaceutical-grade PVA in the production of aripiprazole-loaded filaments for 3D printing. Their results confirmed that fused deposition modeling is a viable method for fabricating orodispersible films with consistent shapes and drug content. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the 3D printed films were comparable to those of cast films, with lower variability observed in the printed orodispersible films. This study underscores the potential of fused deposition modeling as an alternative technique for the preparation of orodispersible films, marking a significant advancement in the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms.[30] The goal of this work to examine the applicability of mechanical extrusion-based printing of semisolid dispersions with in-process drying for the development of orally disintegrating films. This approach allows for the rapid preparation of ODFs, with the drug content being influenced by the model dimensions and volumetric concentration, thereby eliminating the need for air pressure adjustments or preliminary test prints. An optimized formulation was utilized for ODFs containing benzydamine hydrochloride, produced in various thicknesses. The physicochemical properties of the films were analyzed, revealing a strong correlation among model height, weight, thickness, disintegration time, and mechanical properties. Dose control was achievable by varying model thickness or drug concentration. The films demonstrated handleability and flexibility achieved.[31] Jan Elbl's research successfully developed orodispersible films containing 30 mg of phenytoin through the application of 3D printing technology. The investigation involved testing various concentrations of HPMC E5 and HPMC E15 dispersions to identify the optimal concentration and viscosity suitable for a customized syringe extrusion 3D printer. The findings indicated that 20% w/v of HPMC E5 and 10% w/v of HPMC E15 were the most effective polymers for drug incorporation and printing processes. The phenytoin-loaded E15 orodispersible films exhibited favorable physical characteristics, robust mechanical strength, rapid disintegration (within 5 seconds), and swift drug release, highlighting the potential of HPMC E15 as a viable polymer for extrusion-based 3D printing and orodispersible film production. Future studies may focus on assessing film stability and personalizing orodispersible films for individual patients by modifying the printing volume.[32] The researcher explored to formulation of ODFs for the oral administration of montelukast sodium, targeting the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The ODFs were successfully produced through three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques utilizing propylene glycol (PG), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG). Each film incorporated 5% montelukast sodium. A series of evaluations were conducted on the films, assessing parameters such as drug compatibility, mass uniformity, thickness, disintegration time, folding endurance, moisture absorption, pH, in vitro drug release, drug content, moisture loss, mechanical properties, and cellular toxicity. The findings indicated that all formulations disintegrated within 40 seconds, achieving over 98% drug release in just 2 minutes. This formulation demonstrated optimal drug content, characterized by its robustness and ease of transport. The Montelukast sodium ODFs presents a viable alternative to traditional dosage forms. Furthermore, the formulations exhibited no toxic effects in an in vitro cytotoxicity assessment using 3T3 cells.[33] The deficiency of age-appropriate pharmaceuticals for a variety of indications often necessitates dose adjustments, leading to potential inaccuracies in dosing. This investigation aimed to compare the existing protocol for creating personalized warfarin doses at HUS Pharmacy in Finland with two innovative printing methodologies. Dosage forms of differing strengths were developed through semisolid extrusion 3D printing, inkjet printing, and the traditional compounding technique for oral powders in unit dose sachets (OPSs). Warfarin-loaded orodispersible films were fabricated using hydroxypropyl cellulose as the film-forming agent. These ODFs exhibited desirable characteristics, being both thin and flexible. The printed ODFs showed superior drug content and disintegrated in 45 seconds, a significant improvement over orally disintegrating tablet (ODTs). All dosage forms proved stable during a one-month stability study and were suitable for nasogastric tube administration, thereby facilitating treatment for all patient groups in a hospital environment.[34] In a related study, Ehtezazi et al. aimed to produce both single-layered and multilayered oral films through the FDM technique. The polymers selected for this investigation included polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), with paracetamol and ibuprofen as the model drugs. The researchers prepared filaments through the hot-melt extrusion technique, operating at temperatures of 60 °C for PEO and 130 °C for PVA. These filaments were then processed via 3D printing to create oral dissolvable films ODFs for both ibuprofen and paracetamol. Notably, the authors implemented taste-masking layers at a lower temperature of 130 °C to evaluate the acceptability of the ODFs, thereby enhancing patient compliance. The study observed that both ODFs had extended disintegration times, which may be linked to the high molecular weight of the polymers used. [35]
Table no. 1: A compilation of recently filed patents for ODFs and highlights of their innovation.
Application ID |
Title |
Composition of invention |
Date of publication |
ES2835258 |
Oral dispersible films
|
The polymers that form films include polyvinyl acetate, shellac, and methacrylate copolymers. Carboxymethylcellulose acts as the disintegrant, while polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) are also present. |
2021-06-22
|
AU2018220049B2 |
Rapidly Dispersible Dosage Form Of Topiramatefield Of The Invention |
The composition of the formulation includes Topiramate at a concentration of 15-20% weight, a waxy material ranging from 20-30% weight, a surfactant present at 2.5-3.5% weight, colloidal silicon dioxide at 0.5-1.5% weight, PVP at 4.5-10% weight, mannitol constituting 25-50% weight, crospovidone at 4.5-10% weight, and a sweetener comprising 1-2% weight. |
2018-09-06 |
AU2017203365B2 |
Rapidly dispersible dosage form of oxcarbazepine
|
This formulation comprises oxcarbazepine, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose, mannitol, PVP, HPC, colloidal silicon dioxide, glycerine, a surfactant and a sweetener. |
2017-06-08 |
US20230136398A1 |
Oral thin film with smooth fused film. |
This composition includes at least 40% w/w polyethylene oxide, which functions as a film-forming polymer, alongside water-insoluble active substances, utilizing the technique of solvent evaporation. |
2023-05-04
|
US20170165315A1 |
ODF containing enalapril, designed for treating hypertension in pediatric patients. |
This formulation is based on a water-soluble polymer, ideally pullulan and modified starch like Lycoat® (Lestrem, France), representing 50–80% w/w. It is further enhanced with plasticizers, fillers, sweetening agents, and an acidic agent. |
2017-06-15
|
US20230133317A1 |
Taste-masked and rapidly disintegrating ultra-thin iron orodispersible film and a process thereof. |
This composition includes microencapsulated iron, beta-cyclodextrin, a flavoring agent, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, pullulan, mannitol, a sweetener, polyethylene glycol, lecithin, malic acid, ascorbic acid, and the flavor of kiwi. |
2023-05-04
|
US 20220331337A1 |
Orodispersible formulations |
The formulation includes an active ingredient at a concentration of 0.5% w/w, alongside an intragranular component that comprises 40–80% w/w, which consists of diluents, disintegrants, and binders. Additionally, there is an extragranular component that contains diluents and disintegrants. The orally disintegrating film (ODF) is designed to disintegrate within 60 seconds and has defined percentage ranges for each of its components. |
2022-10-20
|
Table no. 2: Examples of marketed orodispersible films for oral route
Product Name |
Active ingredient |
Indication |
Manufacturer |
Benadryl® Allergy Quick Dissolve Strips |
Diphenhydramine HCl (25 mg) |
Allergic symptoms |
McNeil-PPC, Inc., Fort Washington, PA, USA |
Triaminic® Children’s Thin Strips |
Dextromethorphan (3.67 mg) and phenylephrine HCl (2.5 mg) |
Cough suppressant and nasal decongestant |
|
Zuplenz® |
Ondansetron (4/8 mg) |
Antiemetics |
Strativa Pharmaceuticals, El Segundo, CA, USA |
Sildenafil Sandoz Orodispersible Film |
Sildenafil (25/50/100 mg) |
Erectile dysfunction |
Sandoz, Basel, Switzerland |
Levocetirizine orally disintegrating strips |
Levocetirizine (5 mg) |
Allergic symptoms |
D.K-Livkon Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India |
Zuplenz ® |
Ondansetron |
Prevention of Nausea and vomiting |
MonoSol Rx |
Donepezil ® |
Donepezil |
Alzheimer Disease |
Labtec |
Klonopin Wafer |
Clonazepam |
Treatment of Anxiety |
Solvay Pharmaceuticals |
Future Perspective and Challenges
Orodispersible drug carriers present a significant opportunity to enhance medication adherence and therapeutic outcomes for a wide range of patients. The literature consistently emphasizes that the beneficial attributes of orally disintegrating dosage forms, including rapid disintegration, no need for water, small size, and effective taste-masking, make them an optimal choice for the paediatric demographic. There remains a considerable lack of commercially available orally disintegrating medicinal products tailored for minors, which poses a significant challenge to the global implementation and acceptance of this dosage form. Nowadays, drug administration via oral methods have several disadvantages, including a lack of both chemical and physical stability, degradation of drugs, GI obstacles, the absorption rate, dissolution, and permeability. In addition, scientists and researchers are constantly trying to invent new delivery strategies capable of enhancing these oral dosage forms by improving their administration, compliance, convenience, and active drug integrity, and reducing side-effects, thus providing them with the potential to cater to the broader paediatric population.[36] The capacity to customize a dosage may allow for its optimization by taking into account characteristics such as gender, age, weight, health condition, required size, release qualities, the amount of use/treatment time, and shape. Any type of dosage form, from dissolving tablets, capsules, film to any form, might be designed, and customised using 3D printing for any ailment.[37] An orodispersible antibiotic delivery system could be especially beneficial, as antibiotic suspensions are among the limited oral options available Infants who are unable to consume or chew medications. Several researches are currently starting to explore the possibility of orally dispersible antibiotic formulations, including levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Consequently, it is essential for future research and development to focus on the optimal design of commonly utilized drug classes into intelligent orally disintegrating matrices specifically tailored for paediatric pharmacotherapy.[38] With improvements in the latest wave of 3DP technologies, the growing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI), and an evolving in treatment regimens toward individualized therapy, ODFs may be important dosage forms that combine all three features. There are significant hurdles to the effective manufacturing and greatest efficiency of orally disintegrating medication delivery systems that necessitate further investigation and improvements. As previously indicated, these systems are characterized by a limited capacity for drug loading, which can be particularly problematic for pharmaceuticals that require substantial doses to produce the desired pharmacological effects.[39] Moreover, the implementation of taste-masking strategies is vital for these dosage forms to ensure they are well-received by paediatric patients and their families. Additionally, the brittle and hygroscopic properties of many orally dissolving medicaments are frequently necessitating the use of customized foil packaging and specific stability requirements, which are generally costlier than conventional packaging options. As a result, there is a pressing need for further in-depth research to address these formulation challenges and optimize this category of delivery systems, particularly for widespread application in children and adolescents.[40] Because of the beginning phases of oro-dispersible film investigation and the intricate nature of the technique of 3D printing, acquiring accurate statistical information on the positive and negative aspects can be difficult. Researchers actively explore and refine these techniques, but extensive quantitative data may not be readily available.[41] Regulation the use of 3D printing devices for manufacturing solid oral medication forms could be complicated. For example, depending on where the printer is positioned such as a clinical trial site, a specialty production facility, or an intensive care unit, the drug product may need to be classified under each of these regulatory paths. The control of quality of the final drug product must also be examined. In addition, all aspects of the printing process would need thorough evaluation to ensure consistent product quality from the hardware, raw material suppliers, operator training and quality control.[42] Pharmacists were among the first to understand the full significance of the use of 3D printing for the manufacture of drugs. Using the 3D printer, the pharmacist will synthesize and construct unique formulations based on the requirements of individual patients with the condition. The pharmacy staff, as drug experts, can recommend the most suitable strategy and determine when the 3D printer might be applied in pharmaceutical applications. [43]
Regulatory Perspective
The lack of a regulatory authority is a major hurdle to using this method of production to manufacture pharmaceutical formulations. Although no Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) criteria for 3D-printed medications have been officially published, the FDA did establish rules for three-dimensional medical device products in 2017. Unfortunately, no governing body has yet established recommendations for the manufacture of 3DP dosage forms. Moreover, it is uncertain whether regulatory approval will be needed only for the finished product or for the regulations that govern all levels of product design and manufacture. [44] [45] Pharmacopoeias do not contain methods of analysis for tablets produced by 3DP and the existing methods for the other pharmaceutical oral solid dosage forms are difficult to apply to discover regulatory issues in the printing process of pharmaceutical formulations, a concrete regulatory requirement for printable products is urgently needed. [46] The worldwide medicine limited availability caused by the COVID-19 epidemic contributed to the rapid expansion of 3D printing in the pharmaceutical sector. This growth is being fueled by the emergence of new industry players, as well as the release of new 3D printers, materials and start-up funding.[47] Furthermore, the basic purpose of both European Union and United States legislation is the same: to enhance the health of children through scientific advances and to offer a structure for evaluating effectiveness as well as safety in the paediatric population. The main impact of this rule was the establishment of the Paediatric Committee (PDCO). Its primary function was to offer objective scientific perspectives on paediatric investigation plans (PIPs) and to establish strategies for paediatric pharmaceuticals. The use of oral thin films is projected to help enhance adherence and treatment results in paediatric and elderly individuals. This will be driven in part by the new regulatory requirements for these vulnerable patient groups to be taken into consideration from the point of drug discovery and development rather than the conventional reformulation and titration from normal adult dosage forms.[48] Although the EMA and US FDA have recently provided guidelines for industry, especially in development of formulations for vulnerable patient groups such as paediatric and geriatric populations, more research is required to establish global standards since most of the reported studies vary greatly in the methodology and approaches, and it is difficult to tell which is appropriate.[49] However, it has been reported that the FDA encourage the development of complex dosage forms and manufacturing processes using science and risk-based approached which may pave the way for 3D printing.[42]
CONCLUSION
A prominent class of oral drug delivery systems that overcomes the difficulties associated with most oral formulations in paediatric patients is the orally dissolving medicament. This innovative dosage as an oro-dispersible film for rapidly-dissolving drug delivery system. This method improves patient adherence by administering drugs to their site of action quicker and more efficiently, with instant breakdown dissolution, as well and administration, removing the requirement for the patient to swallow and chew. Furthermore, advancements in technology, particularly in the area of 3D printing, are contributing to the development of personalized medicines, which could be essential for future healthcare practices. The investigation of fixed-dose combination products is critical for understanding their role in enhancing patient adherence, as they simplify medication regimens by decreasing the frequency of doses and minimizing the overall pill burden. The rapid advancement of 3-D printing technologies in the healthcare sector has an opportunity for transforming methods of manufacture away from traditional mass-production and toward personalized, on-demand dosage forms. This transition might result in more secure and efficient drugs for patients. The impact of this technology on conventional pharmacy practices is essential for the modern healthcare system. This approach promotes the advancement of affordable, accessible, and personalized dosage forms that achieve the desired drug release profiles, meeting the needs of individual patients or specific populations. It significantly accelerates the manufacturing process while enhancing cost-effectiveness. Consequently, substantial and beneficial transformations in conventional drug formulation and manufacturing practices are anticipated, leading to the emergence of relevant regulatory frameworks and industrial applications
REFERENCES
Bhavesh Machhi*, Aathira Chandran, Divyanka Bodas, Chandrakant Wadile, Pankaj Mandpe, Recent Advancement: 3D-Printed Orodispersible Film as Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms for Paediatric Patients, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 1, 1324-1338. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14673092