Title : Fabrication and evaluation of multidrug fixed dose combination tablets for paediatric tuberculosis using fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing technology
Abstract:
Developing age appropriate dosage forms is critical for effective pharmaceutical therapy, particularly chronic conditions like paediatric tuberculosis (TB) requiring prolonged treatment. The world health organization recommends the use of Fixed dose combination (FDCs) of first line antituberculosis drugs-rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide for the treatment of TB. This study aimed to develop 3D printing multidrug combination tablets using hot melt extrusion (HME) to produce drug loaded filaments for subsequent 3D printing via fused deposition modeling (FDM). Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, rifampicin and polyvinyl alcohol were used to fabricate FDC tablets. The printed tablets were evaluated for key pharmaceutical parameters including in-vitro dissolution, friability, hardness, disintegration and weight variation within <±3%. In-vitro dissolution studies at 6 hours demonstrated drug release of 67.6% for rifampicin, 85.64% for isoniazid and 74.80% for pyrazinamide. This work highlights a novel approach for producing paediatric TB formulations through 3D printing, offering potential for personalized dosing and improved treatment compliance in children.
Keywords: 3D printing, fused deposition modelling, hot melt extrusion, paediatric, tuberculosis, evaluation.
Funding: Collaborative Research Project Sponsored by Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), DST, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Grant Number IMRC/AISTDF/CRD/2019/000147.
