Personalized medicine drives shift in pharmaceutical manufacturing

The pharmaceutical industry is shifting toward personalized medicine, moving away from high-volume standardized production toward models characterized by smaller batches and greater variability. In 2024, approximately 38% of new drugs containing new therapeutic molecules approved by the FDA were related to personalized medicine.

To meet this demand, manufacturing paradigms are evolving to prioritize flexibility, reconfigurability, and compliance over pure speed. This transition requires overcoming structural challenges, such as the lack of interoperability between machines from different generations and suppliers within production facilities.

Technological innovations are emerging to facilitate this shift. Researchers at Åbo Akademi University in Finland are developing a technology inspired by 3D printing known as semi-solid extrusion (SSE). This system dispenses precisely measured amounts of gel-based formulations, allowing for the creation of customized doses. This approach shows significant potential for pediatric medicine, where specific concentrations are often unavailable on the market.