(ANSA) – SYDNEY, 21 AUG – Australian researchers have used 3D printing technology, commonly used to produce toys, dental casts and car parts, to combine multiple drugs into a ‘poly-pill’, thus easing the burden on those who must take multiple medications every day. A widespread problem, which worsens as the population ages: as people get older, they may be prescribed more drugs every day, with the risk of underdosing or overdosing. Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a way of using 3D printers to produce multiple pills tailored to the patient. The drugs are combined in a bio-compatible polymer so that they can be released into the body at different times. “You can include different drugs in a pill, to be taken only once a day, thus reducing the likelihood of overdosing or underdosing,” writes Professor Amirali Polat of the School of Pharmacy on the university’s website.
The pills are produced one layer at a time and the medicine is dissolved and combined with other ingredients to help with absorption in the stomach. 3D printed medicines could help parents by offering smaller or more ‘attractive’ pills for children, using different shapes or colours.
They could also assist blind or visually impaired people. “You could change the color to make them more identifiable, add symbols like the sun and moon for the morning and evening doses, or print Braille on the pill to make it easier to recognize. It could make treatment much easier for the patient, it’s a big step forward,” Polat writes. The use of 3D printers could also be of particular benefit in remote communities, where there may be shortages of medicines or delays in deliveries. “If you can produce them where the pharmacist can do it on site, you can provide better healthcare in those communities,” he adds. (ANSA).
2024-08-21 13:28:31