Makin sense: 3D printing pharmaceuticals

In this first instalment of Georgi Makin’s Editor’s column, ‘Makin sense of 3D’, Georgi asks the question: how far away are we from seeing 3D printing technologies in routine pharmaceutical care? There is no argument that 3D printing has the potential to open up a wealth of opportunities in pharmaceutical research and personalized treatment strategies. Personalized drug dosing, novel dosage forms, improved formulations and more complex drug release profiles could all enable pharmacists to quickly print required dosages in convenient shapes improving the safety and efficacy of prescriptions, especially in complex cases or in cases involving children or the elderly.  ...