At the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) - a long-awaited innovation: the use of the most modern three-dimensional (3D) medicine printing technologies, which opens up many possibilities, is being used. The first validated pharmaceutical tablet in Europe and one of the first in the world is already operating at the Faculty of Pharmacy of LSMU 3D printer.
The new device provides a new development direction for innovative pharmaceutical technologies: it makes it possible to create individualized, individually tailored medications for each patient, to increase the effectiveness of medications by combining several medicinal substances in one tablet, and to reduce the side effects of medications.
Using three-dimensional printing, it is possible to insert various microcapsules into tablets, cover them with different layers of excipients that regulate the release of the medicinal substance. This is especially relevant when developing drugs for special patient groups - children and the elderly.
New opportunities for cooperation with business enterprises, manufacturing pharmacies and hospitals also open up.
"The future begins now!", smiled professor Jurga Bernatonienė, head of the Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy of the Faculty of Pharmacy at LSMU.
Technology is in the top ten world innovations
The university has been actively preparing to implement this innovation for several years. However, until now, most of the three-dimensional printers on the market were not validated - that is, they were not intended for the specific production of drugs, only additionally adapted for this.
So the researchers patiently waited for the equipment of the only manufacturer in the world so far - and purchased one of the first drug printers validated in Europe and the world. The printer was purchased from the funds generated by scientific activities. We had to wait almost 8 years for the new equipment.
LSMU Faculty of Pharmacy dean prof. Ramunė Morkūnienė emphasized: three-dimensional technology for creating pharmaceutical and cosmetic products is currently in the top ten world innovations. The dean sees a particularly great benefit and incentive of innovation for the young generation of future pharmacists.
The first master's theses on the topic of three-dimensional drug printing are already planned, and doctoral students will also be actively involved in the development of 3D tablet forms - three dissertations are planned.
Faculty vice-dean prof. According to Valdas Jakštas, by using advanced three-dimensional technologies, scientists and developers form a turning point in the field of pharmaceuticals, since 3D printing is a tool not only for developing, but also for researching newly composed pharmaceutical forms - functionalized geometric systems, polytablets, individualized systems for the release of modeled multi-level active substances.
Future technology promises exciting changes
It is somewhat symbolic that the first tablets printed by LSMU are with the active substance contained in aromatic anise - elsoltic ketones.
"The first natural-origin, internationally patented, safe and well-tolerated drug for the treatment of arrhythmia made from the fragrant aniseed herb in Lithuania is one of the most successful projects of the faculty and the University. Using the latest technology, we will look for ways to "print" the active ingredients into 3D tablets in order to give a very fast and maximum effect", revealed prof. J. Bernatonienė.
The professor is convinced: three-dimensional printing of medicines is a revolutionary technology of the future, bringing many more interesting changes.
"In 10-15 years, all pharmacies will have such printers," the scientist noted.
In the future, the professor is already considering the possibility of using a 3D printer to create sensory pills, special in that it would be possible to monitor the movement of medicine in the body.
