Global 3D Printed Drugs Market - 2022-2029

Market Overview

3D Printed Drugs Market size was valued US$ YY million in 2021 and is estimated to reach US$ YY million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.10% during the forecast period (2022-2029)

3D printed drugs are drugs manufactured by solidifying layers of materials to form a definite 3D structure. The adaptability of 3D printing is also applied for the precise and unique dosing of medicines to present more efficient drug administration. 3D printing is expected to be an efficient method to enhance the application of several controlled drug release mechanisms during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

The global 3D printed drugs market growth is driven by several factors such as rising healthcare disorders globally and rising demand for cheaper drugs or pills, and increasing adaptability of 3D printing in the medical industries. With rising awareness of the advantages of 3D printed drugs, such as their instantaneous solubility. 3D printed drugs are extremely easy to swallow. As these drugs can be customized according to the requirement of every patient, assisting way better than batch-produced drugs, the demand is expected to grow over the forecast period.

Growing advancements in 3D Printing Technology and rising investments are expected to drive in the forecast period.

In October 2020, researchers from China's Sichuan University and Xiamen University developed 3D printed self-adhesive bandages capable of delivering nerve-healing drugs. The team's fabricated gauze comprises two click-activated hydrogel layers and an inner section that can be loaded with regenerative medicine. Once wrapped around the site of an injured nerve, the device releases the medication in a way that encourages the growth of glial cells in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). In the future, the scientists believe that their novel 3D printed dressing design could assist doctors carrying out widely-used nerve repair operations such as neurorrhaphy. Moreover, the rising investments to increase the research activities for developing highly efficient 3D printed drugs are expected to boost the market's growth during the forecast period. For instance, in December 2020, Triastek, a Chinese 3D printing technology startup, raised $15 million in Series A funding to accelerate the research and development of its 3D-printed drugs. The fund management company Dalton Venture led the funding round, while other co-investors included Shangahi Tofflon Science, Technology Chairman Zheng Xiaodong, and Yunqi Partners. Triastek will use the funds for the research and development of its 3D printed medicines alongside registration applications in China and the US and in constructing a large-scale production line. Thus, from the above statements, the market is expected to drive in the forecast period.

Restraint:

However, the adverse effects of 3d printed drugs' lack of government regulations are expected to hinder the market's growth. Also, several scandals and hacking of data stored online could make patients increasingly reluctant to disclose their medical information. In addition, mislabelling blueprints and inputting wrong descriptions is also a big challenge for the market as a 3D blueprint must be made of the patient, their dosage, and medical history to prepare a 3D printed drug.

Industry Analysis

The 3D printed drugs market provides in-depth analysis of the market based on various industry factors such as unmet needs, pricing analysis, supply chain analysis, regulatory analysis etc.

Segment Analysis

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) segment is expected to hold the largest market share in the 3D printed drugs market.

The fused deposition modelling (FDM) segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021. The segment benefits because FDM is a production method used for fabrication, production applications, and mechanical system modeling. The technique produces a tissue scaffold using a layer-by-layer thermoplastic polymer by the melt extrusion method. It is also known as material extrusion and is currently the most popular AM technology on the market. It fabricates durable components made of high-strength thermoplastics such as ULTEM, polycarbonate, polyphenylsulfone, polylactic acid, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The FDM technique is one of the most widespread in drug 3D printing. Filaments loaded with medicines can be used for the manufacture of the pills. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) can make combinations of multiple drugs (polyps) and sustained or delayed-release tablets. The unique design of the FDM printer allows it to make gantry rails longer and expand the build area's size. This mechanism allows the designer to scale any print as wishes easily. The cost-to-size ratio is an added advantage for the user of the FDM printer. However, the FDM printer might be the best option for personal use, but when it comes to mass production, it is advised against using it.

Moreover, FDM printers are compatible with a wide variety of thermoplastic polymers like PLA and ABS and Polycarbonates such as PET, PS, ASA, PVA, Nylon, and even composite filaments based on metal, stone, wood, and more. These composites often offer interesting mechanical properties such as being conductive, bio-compatible, or heat resistant. These materials vary in price, with 1kg of PLA filament retailing at around $30/£20. FabRx's fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers melt a mixture of drugs and excipients through a nozzle onto a build plate to construct a dosage form layer-by-layer. FabRx manufactures its filaments, comprised of pharmaceutical-grade materials, which can be drug-loaded to create sustained or delayed-release tablets and multi-drug combinations (polypills). FDM 3D printers range in price greatly. The cheapest, self-assemble RepRap types start at €300. This price costs €2,500 for medium-range models and nearly €10,000 for professional-level machines. The main players in this market include the original manufacturer Stratasys, brands like MakerBot (acquired by Stratasys in 2013), Ultimaker and Prusa. Thus, from the above statements, the market segment accounted for the largest market share in the forecast period.

Geographical Analysis

North American region is expected to hold the largest market share in the global 3D printed drugs market.

North America has the largest share in the global 3D printed drugs market. The US is the only country that has approved the first 3D drug called Spritam (levetiracetam). The first 3D-printed drug to receive approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now being shipped to pharmacies. The company is also working on at least three other 3D-printed drugs it expects to bring to market eventually. Levetiracetam, the generic name for Spritam, has been available for treating seizures for 15 years. But the new brand Spritam is the first to use the proprietary 3D-printing process to create a more dissolvable pill. The surge in demand for instantaneous soluble drugs that can disperse easily in the mouth is the major factor driving the country's market growth.

Additionally, many state of the art universities collaborate with 3D drug manufacturing companies to research and develop new pharmaceuticals. For instance, in 2020, Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC partnered with Purdue University's College of Pharmacy to advance the technology and science of 3D pharmaceutical printing. Through this partnership, the companies will focus on developing future 3D-printed pharmaceutical equipment and medications. Thus, from the above statements, the North American region accounted for the largest market share in the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

Major key players in the 3D printed drugs market are Aprecia Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Hewlett Packard Caribe, BV, LLC, FabRx Ltd.

GlaxoSmithKline PLC:

GlaxoSmithKline PLC is a global healthcare company. The Company operates through two segments: Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines. The Company focuses on its research across six areas: Respiratory diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/infectious diseases, Vaccines, Immuno-inflammation, Oncology and Rare diseases. The Company makes a range of prescription medicines and vaccines products. The Pharmaceuticals business discovers, develops and commercializes medicines to treat acute and chronic diseases. The Vaccines business provides vaccines for people of all ages, from babies and adolescents to adults and older people. It has a portfolio of medicines for respiratory and HIV. Its Pharmaceuticals business includes Respiratory, HIV, Specialty Products, and Classic and Established products. Its Vaccines business has a portfolio of over 40 pediatric, adolescent, adult, and older people and travel vaccines

Product Portfolio:

Ropinirole: The piezo-activated inkjetting to 3D print ropinirole hydrochloride. The tablets produced consist of a cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) (PEGDA) hydrogel matrix containing the drug, photoinitiated in a low oxygen environment using an aqueous solution of Irgacure 2959.

The global 3D printed drugs market report would provide an access to an approx. 45+market data table, 40+figures