Valvejet Technology for the Production of a Personalised Fixed Dose Combination of Ramipril and Glimepiride: an Investigative Study on the Stability of Ramipril

3D Printing as a Promising Tool in Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector, its goal being to tailor medication to a particular individual by taking into consideration the physiology, drug response, and genetic profile of that individual. There are many technologies emerging to cause this paradigm shift from the conventional "one size fits all" to personalized medicine, the major one being three-dimensional (3D) printing. 3D printing involves the establishment of a three-dimensional object, in a layer upon layer manner using various computer software. 3D printing can be used to construct a wide variety of pharmaceutical dosage forms varying in shape, release profile, and drug combination. The major technological platforms of 3D printing researched on in the pharmaceutical sector include inkjet printing, binder jetting, fused filament fabrication, selective laser sintering, stereolithography, and pressure-assisted microsyringe. A possible future application of this technology could be in a clinical setting, where prescriptions could be dispensed based on individual needs. This manuscript points out the various 3D printing technologies and their applications in research for fabricating pharmaceutical products, along with their pros and cons. It also presents its potential in personalized medicine by individualizing the dose, release profiles, and incorporating multiple drugs in a polypill. An insight on how it tends to various populations is also provided. An approach of how it can be used in a clinical setting is also highlighted. Also, various challenges faced are pointed out, which must be overcome for the success of this technology in personalized medicine.

Development of microparticles coated with poly-γ-glutamic acid to improve oral absorption of a poorly water-soluble drug

Novel microparticles coated with poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) were developed to improve the oral absorption of indomethacin (IM), a poorly water-soluble drug. Microparticles containing γ-IM (IM_bulk-PGA) or crystal polymorph α-IM (IM_polymorph-PGA) were prepared. Additionally, microparticles were prepared containing α-IM without PGA (IM_polymorph without PGA). IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA exhibited better drug retention properties on mucin disks. Drug release rates from IM_polymorph-PGA and IM_polymorph without PGA were higher than from IM bulk powder, and drug release from IM_bulk-PGA was also improved. Drug release from IM_bulk-PGA could be improved with the use of Tween 80. In addition, PGA may influence the ionization of IM or affect specific molecular interactions. After the microparticles were administered orally to mice, IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA increased the plasma drug concentration more rapidly compared with IM bulk powder, but IM_polymorph without PGA did not increase the plasma drug concentration. It was considered that IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA rapidly reached the intestinal membrane through the mucus layer and IM was absorbed quickly. Because IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA showed a rapid increase in plasma drug concentration, IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA could be useful preparations to improve the gastrointestinal absorption of IM. Furthermore, IM_bulk-PGA may maintain higher plasma drug concentrations than IM_polymorph-PGA.