A review of paediatric injectable drug delivery to inform the study of product acceptability - an introduction

Drug Product Development and Case Studies for User Centric Pediatric Protein-Based Therapeutics

The user of a pediatric drug includes not only the patient, but also their caregiver and healthcare provider, including nurses, doctors, and pharmacists. Therefore, adopting a patient-centric approach that focuses on all users is critical for the development of pediatric drug products. This article outlines the quality target product profile parameters and a patient-centric approach for the development of pediatric proteinbased therapies. The use environment, formulation design, and preparation and in use stability considerations are described. An acceptability profile for the various routes of parenteral administration is described with a focus on pediatric age groups. Furthermore, a risk assessment approach is presented for the selection of excipients to be utilized in pediatric protein-based biopharmaceuticals. Several case studies are included which illustrate the selection of drug product parameters such as formulation, dose volume, and route of administration with the pediatric user in mind.

Dosage Forms Suitability in Pediatrics: Acceptability of Antibiotics in a German Hospital

Although drug acceptability can have a significant impact on patient adherence in pediatric therapy, data are limited, even for common therapeutic areas. We present the second part of an acceptability study conducted at the University Children's Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany. The study investigated the acceptability of most commonly used antibiotics in a pediatric hospital setting. The researchers used the acceptability reference framework to score the acceptability of five antibiotics based on 150 real-life observer reports of medicine intake. Four antibiotics assessed in this study were formulated as preparations for injection (ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, ceftriaxone, and gentamicin) and one as a powder for oral liquid suspension (co-amoxiclav). All the antibiotics formulated as preparations for injection were rated negatively due to high rates of negative reactions (80%), the use of restraint (51%), the use of extra devices (99%), and long preparation and administration times (100%). The antibiotic formulated as a powder was significantly more well accepted. The study concluded that there is a lack of appropriate formulations for antibiotics for use in children. These findings are important in improving knowledge on acceptability drivers and might help in formulating and prescribing better medicines for children. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to have knowledge about the acceptability of different products to select the best-adapted product for each patient.

Empowering Precision Medicine: The Impact of 3D Printing on Personalized Therapeutic

This review explores recent advancements and applications of 3D printing in healthcare, with a focus on personalized medicine, tissue engineering, and medical device production. It also assesses economic, environmental, and ethical considerations. In our review of the literature, we employed a comprehensive search strategy, utilizing well-known databases like PubMed and Google Scholar. Our chosen keywords encompassed essential topics, including 3D printing, personalized medicine, nanotechnology, and related areas. We first screened article titles and abstracts and then conducted a detailed examination of selected articles without imposing any date limitations. The articles selected for inclusion, comprising research studies, clinical investigations, and expert opinions, underwent a meticulous quality assessment. This methodology ensured the incorporation of high-quality sources, contributing to a robust exploration of the role of 3D printing in the realm of healthcare. The review highlights 3D printing's potential in healthcare, including customized drug delivery systems, patient-specific implants, prosthetics, and biofabrication of organs. These innovations have significantly improved patient outcomes. Integration of nanotechnology has enhanced drug delivery precision and biocompatibility. 3D printing also demonstrates cost-effectiveness and sustainability through optimized material usage and recycling. The healthcare sector has witnessed remarkable progress through 3D printing, promoting a patient-centric approach. From personalized implants to radiation shielding and drug delivery systems, 3D printing offers tailored solutions. Its transformative applications, coupled with economic viability and sustainability, have the potential to revolutionize healthcare. Addressing material biocompatibility, standardization, and ethical concerns is essential for responsible adoption.