It is possible that the development of 3D printing in the future will allow patients to create prescription drugs at home.
According to health experts in Dubai, this technology would be suited primarily to people with chronic illnesses. In their view, it is also possible to reduce the cost of expensive medicines, such as anti-cancer drugs.
The FabRx company in the UK, which is involved in the development of this technology in the pharmaceutical field, presented the new developments to the forum.
“Our idea is to bring this technology to hospitals, clinics and homes. Patients could “print” the correct dosage or combination of drugs themselves. With proper use, this method would be cheaper and quicker for patients. At this point, hospitals do not produce drugs, but that can change and allow medical centers to start their own production process, “said company representative Alvaro Goyanes.
Pharmacists will determine the exact dosage for each blot to be used for printing a batch of tablets. Prepares will be sold to patients who will print their own medicines. This will reduce the risk of producing counterfeit medicines.
This method has already been tested on animals, but developers still need about two years to get approval from regulators. Access to 3D-printing equipment at home will be strictly controlled. It will only be possible with special access codes similar to those for bank accounts.
Source: http://medicalnews.bg
