Current developments in technology allow manufacturing of dosage forms by printing. Printing technologies have also opened prospects for development and manufacturing scenarios for tailored and personalized drug delivery systems and can optimally meet the needs of individuals and different patient groups. The challenge is to deliver the foreseen benefits of this work to patients.
Recent research has demonstrated numerous examples of manufacturing of different types of dosage forms using computer aided design (CAD) and printing technologies. The activity in the research field is increasing and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products by printing has only recently emerged as a new viable option in drug manufacturing. As an example, in August 2015, the Food and Drug Administration approved the market authorization of Spritam—a 3D printed anti-epileptic product.