An innovative study led by iMATUS postdoc researcher Lucía Rodríguez Pombo opens new avenues in the preparation of personalized medicines using 3D printing. The research focuses on two cutting-edge technologies: the extrusion of semisolids to create chewable pharmaceutical forms and a new photopolymerization technique in a vat, volumetric printing. Both are presented as alternatives to conventional pharmaceutical formulation, marking a before and after in precision medicine.
Rodríguez Pombo’s doctoral thesis, entitled “Clinical implementation of 3D printing for the preparation of personalized medicines” and directed by USC professors Carmen Álvarez, director of iMATUS, and Álvaro Goyanes, researcher at iMATUS, addresses the need to adapt treatments to the specific needs of each patient. “Current drug production is based on the manufacture of large batches with fixed doses, offering few options for variation and making adaptation to individual needs difficult,” explains the researcher. This customization, according to Rodríguez Pombo, is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and compliance with the therapeutic regimen, representing a paradigm shift towards precision medicine, which uses data on the phenotype and genotype of patients to design the most appropriate therapeutic strategy.
Overcoming the limitations of master formulation
Master formulation, currently used in hospitals to prepare individualized medications, has significant limitations. Manual preparation consumes time and resources, is susceptible to dosing errors, and lacks the flexibility needed to adapt to continuous dosage changes. In addition, the final pharmaceutical form may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with swallowing problems or taste sensitivity.
3D printing is emerging as an innovative solution to these problems. This technology, based on the layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects from digital models, offers versatility and the ability to customize doses, sizes, shapes, and release profiles of small batches of medications in a short period of time, automating the process and optimizing resources.
Specific advances in the research:
Extrusion of semi-solids for pediatrics: The clinical study carried out by Rodríguez Pombo is the first to use a combination of amino acids in a single pediatric formulation obtained by 3D printing. The results showed that these chewable medicines control amino acid levels within the target levels, with efficacy comparable to conventional medicines. In addition, 3D printing made it possible to combine two treatments in a single formulation, simplifying administration.
Volumetric printing, a new horizon:
The research also addressed the development of volumetric printing in the pharmaceutical field, using a volumetric printer for the first time to manufacture pharmaceutical forms in a matter of seconds. The study overcame the initial limitations of the mirror system by using a rotary system, allowing the simultaneous preparation of two pharmaceutical forms with different morphology. This advance demonstrates the great potential of volumetric printing as an alternative manufacturing method both in the pharmaceutical industry and in the hospital setting.
This study represents an important advance in personalized medicine, opening the door to more effective, safer treatments that are tailored to the individual needs of each patient. 3D printing is presented as a key tool for the future of pharmacy and health.
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