3D printing of pharmaceuticals and the role of pharmacy

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is causing a paradigm shift in pharmaceuticals and clinical pharmacy practice, transitioning away from the traditional mass production of medicines towards tailored drug products that are personalised to each individual. The concept has the potential to provide benefits for patients, pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry alike by enabling the on-demand design and production of flexible formulations with personalised dosages, shapes, sizes, drug release and multi-drug combinations. This is a turning point in the history of 3D printing technology in pharmaceuticals, requiring the engagement and support of healthcare staff, including pharmacists, doctors, nurses and pharmacy technicians, among others, to enable the widespread translation of the technology into clinical practice. This article summarises the current state-of-the-art 3D printing methods and the major benefits and motivations for using 3D printing in pharmaceuticals, highlighting the critical role that healthcare staff play, and will continue to play, in the future integration of 3D printing into the pharmaceutical sector