Researchers Develop 3D-Printed Medication To Treat Deadly Infection In Pediatric Patients
- Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed 3D-printed medication for pediatric care, allowing for customized tablets tailored to the unique dosing needs of young patients and improving medication adherence.
- 3D printing technology enables precise control over medication dosage and rapid on-demand production, enhancing treatment effectiveness and safety by minimizing dosage errors and reducing lead times.
- The interdisciplinary collaboration at Texas A&M represents a paradigm shift in pharmaceutical manufacturing, transitioning from mass production to personalized treatments, which could significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged populations and rare conditions.
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In a groundbreaking move, researchers at Texas A&M University have taken a significant step towards revolutionizing pediatric medicine by developing 3D-printed medication to treat deadly infections in young patients. This innovative approach leverages the capabilities of additive manufacturing, creating customized tablets tailored to the unique needs of children.
The Need for Personalized Medicine
Pediatric patients often require medication tailored to their specific needs, which conventional manufacturing methods often fail to provide. Traditional pharmaceutical production involves mass-producing tablets with standardized dosages and sizes, which can be inadequate for young patients whose weight and dosage requirements frequently change. This mismatch between standard medications and individual patient needs can lead to inadequate treatment outcomes and reduced medication adherence.
The Power of 3D Printing
3D printing technology offers a transformative solution for these challenges. By using additive manufacturing, researchers can create customized tablets with precise dosages and unique geometries that adapt to the evolving needs of pediatric patients. This technology allows for the precise control over the dose of the subdivided tablets, ensuring accurate dosing for individual patients.
Tailored Tablets and Polypills
The 3D-printed tablets will be created using advanced extrusion-based 3D printing techniques at Reynolds Medical Sciences Building on the Texas A&M campus in College Station. These tablets can be designed to combine multiple medications into one "polypill," simplifying medication regimens and improving adherence, especially for children with polypharmacy.
Real-World Evidence
Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of 3D-printed personalized treatments in pediatric care. For instance, a clinical study showed that 3D-printed chewable medicines containing amino acids were effective in controlling amino acid levels within target levels and were well accepted by pediatric patients. The inclusion of new flavors and real-time patient feedback through a mobile app further enhanced the acceptability and efficacy of these personalized treatments.
Rapid Manufacture and Improved Safety
One of the significant advantages of 3D printing is its rapid manufacturing process. 3D-printed tablets can be produced on demand at the point of dispensing, reducing lead times and improving access to medicines. This efficiency also translates to improved safety, as the technology ensures the accuracy and consistency of dosages with drug uniformity. Laboratory tests have shown exceptionally low variations in mass, drug content, and uniformity compared to manual splitting, reducing the risk of dosage errors.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The development of these customized 3D-printed tablets is an exemplary case of interdisciplinary collaboration. Researchers from the College of Engineering, the College of Pharmacy, and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University are working together to advance the field. Dr. Mathew A. Kuttolamadom, co-principal investigator and associate professor from the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution, emphasized the unique challenges of pharmaceutical additive manufacturing and the need to maintain drug integrity throughout the process.
A New Paradigm in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The use of 3D printing in pediatric medicine marks a paradigm shift in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It transitions from mass production of medicines to personalized, tailored formulations. This approach not only addresses the specific needs of pediatric patients but also opens up new possibilities for treating rare metabolic disorders and other complex conditions. By leveraging 3D printing technology, healthcare professionals can provide safer and more effective treatments with improved medication adherence.
The Future of Pediatric Care
As 3D printing continues to play a pivotal role in revolutionizing pediatric medicine, we can expect significant advancements in the coming years. The potential for on-demand production of customized medications will improve access to healthcare, especially for disadvantaged populations. Furthermore, the integration of 3D printing technology into clinical practice will enhance the overall quality of care for children, providing them with the best possible treatment options tailored to their unique needs.
Conclusion
The development of 3D-printed medication at Texas A&M University represents a major breakthrough in pediatric care. By harnessing the power of additive manufacturing, researchers aim to create customized tablets that can treat deadly infections more effectively. This innovative approach not only addresses the current limitations of traditional pharmaceutical production but also sets a new standard for personalized medicine. As the field continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more groundbreaking applications of 3D printing in healthcare, transforming the way we treat patients and improving outcomes for generations to come.
References NCBI: Pediatric Formulations Developed by Extrusion-Based 3D Printing https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11054634/ MDPI: Real-World Evidence of 3D Printing of Personalised Paediatric Medicines and Evaluating Its Potential in Children with Cancer https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/9/1212 Texas A&M University: Researchers To Explore 3D Printing Medication Tailored To Pediatric Patients https://today.tamu.edu/2023/08/15/researchers-to-explore-3d-printing-medication-tailored-to-pediatric-patients/ Elsevier: Paediatric clinical study of 3D printed personalised medicines for rare metabolic disorders https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38643809/
This article has highlighted the transformative potential of 3D printing in pediatric medicine, showcasing how customized tablets can revolutionize treatment for young patients. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of this technology, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge, improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing the lives of children worldwide.
