Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is emerging as an innovative manufacturing technology for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, since the US FDA approval of Spritam as a 3D-printed drug. In the present review, we have highlighted the potential benefits of 3DP technology in healthcare, such as the ability to create patient-specific medical devices and implants, as well as the possibility of on-demand production of drugs and personalized dosage forms. We have further discussed future research to optimize 3DP processes and materials for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Cohesively, we have put forward the current state of active patents and applications related to 3DP technology in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries including hearing aids, prostheses, medical devices and drug-delivery systems.
Keywords: biomedical applications; drug formulation; pharmaceutical applications; recent patents; three-dimensional printing.