The aim of the project is to develop a 3D printing technology that can be used to print on demand medicines (e.g., tablets, or complex designs) which are suitable for individual patients. This platform technology will allow the printing of various compounding drugs at the hospital where the dose can be printed at different strengths and high accuracy.
These personalised medications will offer treatment specifically designed to suit the unique needs of the patients and improve their wellbeing. The printed tablets or capsules dissolve rapidly when placed on the patient tongue and provide an appealing taste through the incorporation of flavours and sweeteners. The technology offers efficient taste masking of bitter drugs and hence improve the medicine acceptability from children. It will be also suitable for geriatric patients especially those with swallowing difficulties (e.g., stroke, dementia) or have stomach pathologies.
Most importantly this novel technology will be cost-effective, print medicines in short times, reduce medication wastage and increase the effectiveness of healthcare. The use of 3D printing technologies at the hospital will allow clinicians to design, print and distribute compounding drugs for improved patient treatment.