Currently available medications do not solve waste-related challenges. This is due to the packaging and the development phases of these drugs.

The problem of household pharmaceutical waste

The fixed number of drugs contained in boxes can lead to a mismatch between the quantity included and the patients' needs, causing a risk of waste. Indeed, in their treatment, patients need a precise but variable quantity of medication. Generally, patients' medication needs are lower than the amount of medication contained in the boxes. After a patient's treatment, a certain number of medications remain unused.

Currently, the decentralization of production does not allow the number of drugs to be matched to the needs of each patient.

This waste contributes to turning medicines into household pharmaceutical waste. Many people, faced with expired or unnecessarily stored medicines, end up throwing them in the trash.

In France, 17,600 tons of household pharmaceutical waste were recorded in 2018, which is 260 grams per inhabitant. This figure demonstrates the need for care tailored to the individual needs of each patient to limit this phenomenon.

Waste upstream of drug dispensing

The major stages of drug development can be a source of significant waste. From basic research to marketing authorization, drug losses are present at all stages of the process. The Phase II stage is a particularly significant source of waste.

Currently, during Phase II of a clinical study, different dosages are tested in order to evaluate the dose that makes the drug effective. Generally, all of these dosages are manufactured upstream of the study. Consequently, once the optimal doses are selected, the other dosages are discarded. It is estimated that 50 to 70% of drugs for clinical investigations go unused.

Furthermore, when developing a new drug, establishing a specific dosage involves time and resources. When the development project involves a change in drug dosages, it must be redeveloped, requiring new drug resources and the rejection of pre-existing ones if they do not meet the requirements.

The issue of waste is a major challenge in the development phases, requiring effective resource management to minimize losses and optimize results.

3D Printing:  an innovation from powder to medicine box

The challenge of reducing raw material and drug waste depends on the innovation capacity of the pharmaceutical industry. Thanks to 3D medicine printing technology, the ability to rethink how medicines are developed, manufactured, and distributed emphasizes waste reduction.

First of all, it can help revolutionize the delivery of treatment in pharmacies. By enabling the manufacturing of custom-made medicines, 3D printing opens up the possibility of producing a quantity of medicine adapted to the individual needs of patients. Instead of receiving a standardized quantity of medicine in a box, patients will be able to obtain the exact number of medicines needed. Consequently, 3D medicine printing technology can contribute to reducing household pharmaceutical waste.

Also, during the development of a new drug, 3D printing provides an innovative solution compared to traditional manufacturing methods, which can lead to overproduction and overconsumption of raw materials. 3D printing minimizes losses and waste associated with drug production. With the help of this innovative technology for custom-made medicines, it will be possible to flexibly and efficiently produce medicines as close as possible to clinical trials. Up to 50% of drug waste during these development phases could be limited.

Conclusion

MB Therapeutics by developing 3D medicine printing technology, is moving towards medicine that is more respectful of its environment.
By reducing raw material waste and offering more precise and personalized manufacturing, this technology paves the way for a future where pharmaceutical manufacturing is more efficient and sustainable.