3D-printing and the effect on medical costs: a new era?

Abstract

3D-printing (3DP) is the art and science of printing in a new dimension using 3D printers to transform 3D computer aided designs (CAD) into life-changing products. This includes the design of more effective and patient-friendly pharmaceutical products as well as bio-inspired medical devices. It is poised as the next technology revolution for the pharmaceutical and medical-device industries. After decorous implementation scientists in collaboration with CAD designers have produced innovative medical devices ranging from pharmaceutical tablets to surgical transplants of the human face and skull, spinal implants, prosthetics, human organs and other biomaterials. While 3DP may be cost-efficient, a limitation exists in the availability of 3D printable biomaterials for most applications. In addition, the loss of skilled labor in producing medical devices such as prosthetics and other devices may affect developing economies. This review objectively explores the potential growth and impact of 3DP costs in the medical industry.

Keywords:

• 3D-printing
• medical device
• pharmaceuticals
• biotechnology
• medical costs
• innovative healthcare
• additive manufacturing
• virtual pharmacies
• developing economies
• bioprinting

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors were supported by The National Research Foundation of South Africa, grant SARChI. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Key issues

• Biomedical scientists in collaboration with computer-aided design (CAD) designers have produced innovative products that can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from various debilitating diseases and disorders.

• The freedom to produce specific geometries using 3D printing (3DP) in comparison to the restrictions of traditional tableting via powder compression can be used to separate incompatible substances and to enable different release rates using shape and size as well as excipient manipulation.

• 3DP has been embraced by several leading research institutes that recognize its power to print the future of medicine. However, unsurprisingly there are some concerns, as with all historical technology revolutions.

• 3D-printed organs and tissues that are customized for patients have the potential to eliminate the costs associated with the donation process and ensure every transplant is accepted by the patient’s body.

• It is important to note that the urgency of health-care ideas being 3D-printed into reality is still in its infancy. 3DP technology will accelerate further when medical students are trained in the use of 3DP technology and consider as an option for diagnosis and treatment.

• In addition to the above cost concerns, there has been exaggeration by media, governments and by some researchers of the current impact of 3DP. This provides unrealistic expectations of immediate decreases in medical costs.