Exploring the research landscape of 3D printing in oral drug delivery systems for central nervous system diseases

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry faces increasing demands for innovative and personalized treatments that conventional manufacturing methods often struggle to meet. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) offers tailored solutions through customized oral drug delivery systems, enabling precise control over dosage, geometry, release kinetics, and gastrointestinal absorption—factors especially critical in therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This study applies a Competitive Technology Intelligence (CTI) approach to analyze advancements in 3DP for oral drug delivery, with a focus on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Semi-Solid Extrusion (SSE), Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Binder Jetting (BJ). FDM emerges as the most widely used technique due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility for thermostable drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), while SSE proves optimal for thermolabile compounds (e.g., levetiracetam) due to its room-temperature operation. SLA and DLP enable complex geometries for controlled release, and BJ supports scalable production, exemplified by the commercial formulation Spritam®. Key findings highlight patient-centric applications such as pediatric-friendly formulations (e.g., flavored orodispersible films), geriatric-adapted designs (e.g., easy-to-swallow tablets), and accessible formats for patients with disabilities (e.g.,Braille-marked pills). Current challenges include limitations in printable materials (e.g., polymer compatibility) and the lack of regulatory standardization. By mapping these technologies and their therapeutic implications, this thesis offersactionable insights for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and 3DP sectors to support the development of personalized dosing strategies, combination therapies, and improved treatment adherence in CNS care.