Three-Dimensionally Printed Vaginal Rings: Perceptions of Women and Gynecologists in a Cross-Sectional Survey

Impact of critical process parameters on the dimensional, mean weight, and swelling properties of 3D-printed intravaginal rings: a quality by design approach

3D printing is emerging as a transformative technology in pharmaceutical manufacturing, enabling personalized medicine and innovative dosage forms. It allows precise control over drug release and dosage customization, addressing individual patient needs. Various 3D printing techniques, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), are being explored for pharmaceutical applications. The choice of polymers and their rheological properties is crucial for successful extrusion-based printing. While 3D printing accelerates drug development, challenges remain regarding quality control. Quality-by-design (QbD) approaches are essential to ensure safe and effective pharmaceutical products. This study highlights the role of critical process parameters (CPPs), such as infill density and printing speed, in producing poly(lactic acid)-based intravaginal rings. The effects of CPPs on critical quality attributes (CQAs), such as ring dimensions, weight, and swelling degree, were examined. Printing speed (25-100 mm/s) and infill density (0-20%) significantly affected weight and dimensions, with average weights ranging from 0.537 g to 0.629 g. Internal dimensions varied between 9.73 mm and 9.81 mm, while external dimensions ranged from 19.43 mm to 19.69 mm. Rings printed at the lowest speed and highest infill density showed the greatest swelling (2.47%). These findings confirm FDM as a viable method for producing cost-effective, patient-specific intravaginal rings with reproducible results.

Advanced drug delivery technologies for postmenopausal effects

Postmenopause is the 12-month absence of menstrual periods, characterized by decreased estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to physical and psychological alterations such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disruptions, and skin changes. Present postmenopausal treatments include hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal drugs, lifestyle modifications, vaginal estrogen therapy, bone health treatments, and alternative therapies. Advanced drug delivery systems (ADDSs) are essential in managing postmenopausal effects (PMEs), offering targeted and controlled delivery to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. This review emphasizes such ADDSs for addressing PMEs. Emerging trends such as artificial ovaries are also reviewed. Additionally, the prospects of technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D and 4D printing) and artificial intelligence in further tailoring therapeutic strategies against PMEs are provided.

Perspectives on 3D printed personalized medicines for pediatrics

In recent years, the rapid advancement of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has yielded distinct benefits across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical industry has particularly experienced advantages from the utilization of 3D-printed medications, which have invigorated the development of tailored drug formulations. The approval of 3D-printed drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly propelled personalized drug delivery. Additionally, 3D printing technology can accommodate the precise requirements of pediatric drug dosages and the complexities of multiple drug combinations. This review specifically concentrates on the application of 3D printing technology in pediatric preparations, encompassing a broad spectrum of uses and refined pediatric formulations. It compiles and evaluates the fundamental principles associated with the application of 3D printing technology in pediatric preparations, including its merits and demerits, and anticipates its future progression. The objective is to furnish theoretical underpinning for 3D printing technology to facilitate personalized drug delivery in pediatrics and to advocate for its implementation in clinical settings.