Innovations in Chewable Formulations: The Novelty and Applications of 3D Printing in Drug Product Design

• Main Authors: Lucía Rodríguez-Pombo (Author), Atheer Awad (Author), Abdul W. Basit (Author), Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo (Author), Alvaro Goyanes (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2022-08-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081732; 1999-4923
• Keywords: 3D printed medicines and pharmaceuticals; orally disintegrating formulations; human and veterinary medicine; precision medicine; taste masking; digital healthcare; Pharmacy and materia medica; RS1-441
• Source: Pharmaceutics, Vol 14, Iss 8, p 1732 (2022)

Since their introduction, chewable dosage forms have gained traction due to their ability to facilitate swallowing, especially in paediatric, geriatric and dysphagia patients. Their benefits stretch beyond human use to also include veterinary applications, improving administration and palatability in different animal species. Despite their advantages, current chewable formulations do not account for individualised dosing and palatability preferences. In light of this, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and in particular the semi-solid extrusion technology, has been suggested as a novel manufacturing method for producing customised chewable dosage forms. This advanced approach offers flexibility for selecting patient-specific doses, excipients, and organoleptic properties, which are critical for ensuring efficacy, safety and adherence to the treatment. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in chewable dosage forms for human and veterinary use, highlighting the motivations behind their use and covering formulation considerations, as well as regulatory aspects.