Shaping The Future Of Formulation Development With Melt-Based 3D Printing Technologies

In this white paper, the use of 3D printing to overcome challenges during formulation development is explored, with a focus on enhancement of bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in solid dispersions. It is estimated that 60–70% of drug substances currently in clinical pipelines are categorized as Class II in the Biopharmaceuticals Classification System (BCS) which indicates low solubility.¹ For an oral formulation, the proper API solubility is critical for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. If solubility issues cannot be overcome during formulation development, an otherwise promising therapeutic candidate may have to be abandoned.

1. Ting et al. Advances in Polymer Design for Enhancing Oral Drug Solubility and Delivery. Bioconjugate Chemistry. 2018;29(4):939–52.