Abstract
3D printing technique has been utilised to develop novel and complex drug delivery systems
that are almost impossible to produce by employing conventional formulation techniques. For example,
this technique may be employed to produce tablets or Fast Dissolving oral Films (FDFs) with multilayers
of active ingredients, which are personalised to patient’s needs. In this article, we compared the
production of FDFs by 3D printing to conventional methods such as solvent casting. Then, we evaluated
the need for novel methods of producing fast dissolving oral films, and why 3D printing may be
able to meet the shortfalls of FDF production. The challenges of producing 3D printed FDFs are identified
at commercial scale by referring to the identification of suitable materials, hardware, qualitycontrol
tests and Process Analytical Technology. In this paper, we discuss that the FDF market will
grow to more than $1.3 billion per annum in the next few years and 3D printing of FDFs may share
part of this market. Although companies are continuing to invest in technologies, which provide alternatives
to standard drug delivery systems, the market for thin-film products is already well established.
Market entry for a new technology such as 3D printing of FDFs will, therefore, be hard, unless, this
technology proves to be a game changer. A few approaches are suggested in this paper.
Keywords:
3D printing, fused deposition modelling, extrusion, fast dissolving oral films, personalised medicine, drug delivery
systems.
Graphical Abstract
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