3D-Printed Meds Customized for Sick Children’s Exact Dose

3D-Printed Meds Customized for Sick Children's Exact Dose

Revolutionizing Pediatric Medicine with 3D Printing

Introduction

In a world where technology is constantly advancing, researchers at Texas A&M University are spearheading a groundbreaking project that aims to revolutionize pediatric medicine. By harnessing the power of 3D printing, they hope to create precisely dosed tablets in child-friendly shapes and flavors. While initially focused on drugs for pediatric AIDS, this innovative method has the potential to transform the way medications are manufactured for both children and adults.

The Challenge of Pediatric Medication

One of the main issues with mass-produced medications is that they fail to address the unique needs of pediatric patients. As children grow, they often require different dosages and combinations of medicines. Consequently, adult tablets are frequently crushed and dissolved in liquid, a process known as compounding, to cater to their needs. However, this practice compromises drug quality and makes dosing less precise.

“Suppose the child needs 3.4 milligrams and only a 10-milligram tablet is available. Once you manipulate the dosage from solid to liquid, how do you ensure that it has the same amount of drug in it?” explains co-principal investigator Mansoor Khan, PhD, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Texas A&M University.

Moreover, most pharmacies lack the necessary equipment to test the quality of compounded drugs, leading to potential inconsistencies. Additionally, liquified drugs often taste unpleasant due to the removal of the pill’s coating, creating challenges for children who struggle to take medication orally.

“Hospitals will sometimes delay discharging pediatric patients because they can’t take their meds orally and have to get an IV formulation,” says Dr. Olive Eckstein, MD, an assistant professor of pediatric hematology-oncology at Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine.

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Overcoming Obstacles with Innovative 3D Printing

In 2015, the FDA approved a 3D-printed drug; however, progress has since stalled due to the reliance on solvents to bind drug particles together. The Texas A&M research team has taken a different approach, developing a method that does not require solvents. Their process involves creating a powder mixture of the drug, a biocompatible polymer (such as lactose), and a pigment that adds color to the tablet and allows it to absorb heat. Flavoring can also be added to enhance palatability.

The mixture is then heated in the printer chamber, ensuring that the polymer melts just enough to provide structural strength for the tablet without allowing the drug to dissolve into the polymer.

To add an element of fun and engagement, the researchers utilize computer-aided design software to create tablets in various shapes, including stars and teddy bears. This new approach has resulted in tablets that are durable, preventing them from breaking apart or becoming soggy.

Advancements through Laser Technology

The Texas A&M team is now exploring the impact of different laser scan speeds on the structure and dissolve rate of the tablets. By slowing down the laser, they can impart more energy, enhancing the tablet’s structural strength and prolonging the release of the drug within the body. The team hopes to develop machine learning models to test different laser speed combinations, allowing them to create tablets with different dissolve rates.

“The outside could be a rapid release, and the inside could be an extended release or a sustained release, or even a completely different drug,” explains co-principal investigator Mathew Kuttolamadom, PhD, an associate professor of engineering at Texas A&M University.

Personalized Medicine for All

Aside from its potential benefits for pediatric patients, this 3D printing technology could also greatly benefit older individuals who require multiple daily medications. The ability to create personalized tablets at local pharmacies could streamline the medication process, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary treatments promptly.

“Personalized tablets could be printed at your local pharmacy, even before you leave your doctor’s office,” highlights Kuttolamadom.

Future Potential and Expansion

While the team at Texas A&M University is currently focused on developing medications for pediatric AIDS, the scope of this technology extends far beyond this specific condition. Researchers from Britain, Australia, and the University of Texas at Austin are also exploring 3D-printed medication projects, contributing to the broader pursuit of personalized medicine tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Through continuous research and refinement, pharmaceutical 3D printing has the potential to transform the way medications are manufactured and administered. By considering factors such as dosage, shape, flavor, and even multiple drug combinations, this personalized approach has the power to revolutionize the healthcare industry and improve patient outcomes.

As the field of 3D printing continues to advance, the future looks promising for children and adults alike as they receive medications tailored to their individual requirements. With further advancements and widespread adoption, this innovative technology could be a game-changer in the realm of healthcare, ensuring that patients young and old receive the right dosage, in an enjoyable format, resulting in improved treatment adherence and overall well-being.