3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY: A NOVEL APPROACH IN PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING – A REVIEW

Three-dimensional (3D) printing represents a groundbreaking advancement in pharmaceutical manufacturing, offering precision, flexibility, and personalization in drug formulation and delivery. This study aims to explore the applications, mechanisms, and advantages of 3D printing in modern pharmaceutics, emphasizing its role in personalized medicine. A comprehensive review of existing literature and experimental data was conducted to evaluate various 3D printing techniques, including inkjet printing, fused deposition modelling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), and Zip Dose® technology. Key parameters such as material compatibility, drug release kinetics, and stability profiles were analyzed through physicochemical and mechanical characterization methods, including DSC, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. Findings indicate that 3D printing enables accurate dose customization, enhanced bioavailability, and rapid disintegration—demonstrated by *Spritam®* (levetiracetam), the first FDA-approved 3D- printed drug utilizing Zip Dose® technology. Statistical analyses of dissolution and stability data confirmed significant improvements in dosage precision and patient compliance compared to conventional forms (p < 0.05). The study concludes that 3D printing offers transformative potential for individualized therapy, on-demand drug production, and cost-effective manufacturing. However, challenges such as regulatory standardization, scalability, and material limitations must be addressed to achieve full clinical integration. The innovative use of 3D printing in pharmaceutics marks a paradigm shift toward more patient-centered and adaptive drug delivery systems.