3D Printed Drugs Market

Global 3D Printed Drugs Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Dosage Forms (Tablet, Capsules, Multi-Drug Implant, Nanoparticles, Solutions, Nano suspension, Encapsulated within a polymer, and Implant), By Technology (Inkjet Printing, Zip-Dose, Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and others By Application (Dental, Hearing & Audibility Aid, Medical Implants, Neurology, and Orthopedic), and Forecast 2021-2027
    Update Available - Forecast 2024-2030   

Published: Jul 2023 | Report Code: OMR2023693 | Category : Biotechnology | Delivery Format: /

The global 3D printed drugs market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. 3D printing as a technique is now well-established and commonly used in industries such as automotive, healthcare (particularly in dental and orthopedic fields), and retail. 3D printed drugs are used to fuel innovation and progress across pharmaceutical industries. 3D-printed drugs may be useful for orphan drugs and/or personalized medications as these drugs are produced in a small amount. However, the first FDA- approved drug was developed on a commercial scale in August 2015. Spritam (levetiracetam), the first 3D printed medication, was launched by Aprecia Pharmaceuticals. It uses a specially designed platform to manufacture quickly dissolving high-dose medications that are safe to chew.

The market for 3D printed drugs is being driven by the drawbacks of traditional pharmaceutical unit operations across the globe. For instance, traditional manufacturing unit operations such as milling, grinding, granulation, and compression can result in a wide range of final product qualities in terms of drug loading, drug release, drug stabilization, and pharmaceutical dosage form stability. 3D printed drugs are being developed in such a way that they do not alter the qualities of the final product.

Further, the high prevalence of chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, and diabetes, and integration of 3D printing with conventional pharmaceutical technologies are major factors in the growth of the market. Other factors that are contributing to the market growth include technological advancements in the healthcare sector owing to the rapidly increasing demand for medicines coupled with the government's emphasis and the geriatric population is in high demand of instantaneous soluble tablets. For instance, according to the United Nations, there were around 703 million persons aged 65 years or over across the globe in 2019 and the number of older persons is projected to double to 1.5 billion in 2050.

However, the 3D printed drugs market is projected to be hampered by factors such as antagonistic effects associated with the use of these products, a lack of federal controls related to these drugs, and the use of 3D printing to manufacture illicit drugs. Several industry participants in emerging economies are projected to introduce 3D printed drugs, as well as an increase in healthcare spending in emerging economies, is to create opportunities in the market during the forecast period.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global 3D Printed Drugs Market

The global 3D printed drugs market is hardly hit by the outbreak of COVID-19 since December 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has exploded, and demand for drugs, medical instruments, and products has skyrocketed. As a result, there has been an increase in the use of 3D printing. Due to its robotic processing capability, 3D printing is a quicker manufacturing process. Several printers have been introduced by firms in the additive manufacturing industry to further improve the output of drugs and other necessities. During the COVID pandemic, HP provided researchers with the "D300e Bioprinter" to support the production of a vaccine and medicines to combat COVID-19 in the US and Europe.

Furthermore, the drug shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic has gained pharma companies' interest in delivering drugs quickly. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted the supply of raw materials and products across the globe, hence impacted the 3D printed drugs market negatively. For instance, according to the National Institute of Health of the United States, medication shortages in 2020 have been shown at 87.0% as compared to 2019. When contemplating the impact of the second wave of COVID-19 cases, the drug shortages may worsen. The market has impacted very little due to the continued demand for drugs and healthcare facilities during the pandemic. 

Segmental Outlook 

The global 3D printed drugs market is segmented based on dosage form, technology, and region. Based on dosage form, the market is segmented into a tablet, capsules, multi-drug implant, nanoparticles, solutions, nanosuspension, encapsulated within a polymer, and implant. Among dosage forms, the tablet market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Further, based on technology, the market is classified into inkjet printing, zip dose, fused deposition modeling (FDM), and stereolithography (SLA), and others. Apart from this, based on the application, the market is classified into dental, hearing & audibility aid, medical implants, neurology, and orthopedic. In 2019, the neurology 3D printed drugs segment held a major market share. 

Global 3D Printed Drugs Market Share by Technology, 2020 (%)

SLA Segment is projected to hold a significant share in the Global 3D Printed Drugs Market

Among technology, the SLA segment is estimated to hold the major share in 2020 and is also anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period. SLA is used to manufacture multi-layer 3D printed oral dosage form including four antihypertensive drugs including irbesartan, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide, and amlodipine. Photopolymers are used in SLA to solidify resins or liquid materials. Drugs may be inserted into the polymer network to create pills containing active ingredients or to build continuous release medical devices using this technology. This technology is the most effective at combining several medications in a single 3D bottle. The factors that are driving the SLA technology in the 3D printing of the drugs market include its capability of producing high accuracy, isotropic, watertight prototypes, and also the advanced material used in the SLA technique to finish with a smooth surface.  

Regional Outlooks

The global 3D printed drugs market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, Japan, China, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America).  North America estimated to hold a dominant position in the global 3D printed drugs market in 2020. The factor that is propelling the growth of the market in the region including rising R&D development expenditure in 3D printed drug development. The presence of well-established healthcare industry and expanded funding from government organizations in the region is also the driving factor of the market. 

Global 3D Printed Drugs Market Growth, by Region 2021-2027

Asia-Pacific is projected to have a considerable share in the global 3D printed drugs market

The Asia-Pacific is projected to exhibit the fastest growth in the global 3D printed drugs market. During the forecast period, Asia-Pacific is projected to have a significant share of the market. The growth of pharmaceutical industries in the region due to rising GDP is a major factor that is driving the growth. Furthermore, the rise in customer acceptance of innovative health care techniques due to increased disposable income and increasing healthcare expenditure in the region is also driving the market growth during the forecast period. For instance, as per the World Health Organization, in 2018, around 6.8% of GDP was the healthcare expenditure in Asia-pacific. 

Market Players Outlook

The key players of the 3D printed drugs market include Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC, Fabrx Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline PLC, AstraZeneca PLC, Merck KGaA. among others. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by the adoption of various strategies including mergers & acquisitions, geographical expansion, collaborations, and new product launches, to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in November 2018, Yissum, The Hebrew University's technology transfer firm, unveiled a new technology for 3D printing drug capsules. The technology is based on custom-printed 3D hydrogels with delayed release properties. This move paves the way for pills that can be customized to work better than the existing capsules on the market.

The Report Covers

  • Market value data analysis of 2020 and forecast to 2027.
  • Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
  • Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
  • Key companies operating in the global 3D printed drugs market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
  • Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
  • Analysis of market entry and market expansion strategies.
  • Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where in the market.

1. Report Summary

Current Industry Analysis and Growth Potential Outlook

Impact of COVID-19 on the Global 3D Printed Drugs Industry

Recovery Scenario of Global 3D Printed Drugs Industry

1.1. Research Methods and Tools

1.2. Market Breakdown

1.2.1. By Segments

1.2.2. BY Region

2. Market Overview and Insights

2.1. Scope of the Report

2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends

2.2.1. Key Findings

2.2.2. Recommendations

2.2.3. Conclusion

3. Competitive Landscape

3.1. Key Company Analysis

3.1.1. Overview

3.1.2. Financial Analysis 

3.1.3. SWOT Analysis 

3.2. Key Strategy Analysis

3.3. Impact of COVID-19 on Key Players

4. Market Determinants

4.1. Motivators

4.2. Restraints

4.3. Opportunities

5. Market Segmentation

5.1. Global 3D Printed Drugs Market, By Dosage Forms

5.1.1. Tablet

5.1.2. Capsules

5.1.3. Multi-Drug Implant

5.1.4. Nanoparticles

5.1.5. Solutions

5.1.6. Nano suspension

5.1.7. Encapsulated within a polymer

5.1.8. Implant

5.2. Global 3D Printed Drugs Market, By Technology

5.2.1. Inkjet Printing

5.2.2. Zip Dose

5.2.3. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

5.2.4. Stereolithography (SLA)

5.2.5. Others (Direct-Write, powder bed printing)

5.3. Global 3D Printed Drugs Market, By Application

5.3.1. Dental

5.3.2. Hearing & Audibility Aid

5.3.3. Medical Implants

5.3.4. Neurology

5.3.5. Orthopedic

6. Regional Analysis

6.1. North America

6.1.1. United States

6.1.2. Canada

6.2. Europe

6.2.1. UK

6.2.2. Germany

6.2.3. Italy

6.2.4. Spain

6.2.5. France

6.2.6. Rest of Europe 

6.3. Asia-Pacific

6.3.1. China

6.3.2. India

6.3.3. Japan

6.3.4. South Korea

6.3.5. Rest of Asia-Pacific 

6.4. Rest of the World

7. Company Profiles 

7.1. 3D Systems Corp.

7.2. Anatomics Pty Ltd

7.3. Aprecia Pharmaceuticals, LLC

7.4. Cycle Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

7.5. FabRx Ltd.

7.6. AstraZeneca Plc

7.7. Biomedical Modeling Inc.,

7.8. CELLINK AB

7.9. EnvisionTEC GmbH

7.10. GlaxoSmithKline Plc

7.11. Linx Printing Technologies

7.12. Materialise NV

7.13. Merck KGaA

7.14. Organovo Holdings, Inc.

7.15. Pharma Excipients International AG

7.16. PreScouter, Inc.

7.17. Prodways Group SA

7.18. Renishaw PLC

7.19. Siemens AG

7.20. SLM Solutions Group AG

7.21. Stratasys Ltd., 

7.22. Yissum

7.23. Zortrax SA


1. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY DOSAGE FORMS, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

2. GLOBAL TABLET FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

3. GLOBAL CAPSULES FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

4. GLOBAL MULTI-DRUG IMPLANT FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

5. GLOBAL NANOPARTICLES FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

6. GLOBAL SOLUTIONS FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

7. GLOBAL NANOSUSPENSION FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

8. GLOBAL ENCAPSULATED WITHIN A POLYMER FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

9. GLOBAL IMPLANT FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

10. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY TECHNOLOGY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

11. GLOBAL INKJET PRINTING IN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

12. GLOBAL ZIP DOSE IN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

13. GLOBAL FUSED DEPOSITION MODELLING (FDM) IN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

14. GLOBAL STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA) IN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

15. GLOBAL OTHER3D PRINTED DRUGS TECHNOLOGY MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

16. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

17. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR DENTAL MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

18. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR HEARING & AUDIBILITY AID MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

19. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR MEDICAL IMPLANTS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

20. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR NEUROLOGY MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

21. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR ORTHOPEDIC MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY REGION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

22. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY GEOGRAPHY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

23. NORTH AMERICAN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY COUNTRY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

24. NORTH AMERICAN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY DOSAGE FORMS, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

25. NORTH AMERICAN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY TECHNOLOGY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

26. NORTH AMERICAN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

27. EUROPEAN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY COUNTRY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

28. EUROPEAN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY DOSAGE FORMS, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

29. EUROPEAN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY TECHNOLOGY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

30. EUROPEAN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

31. ASIA-PACIFIC 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY COUNTRY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

32. ASIA-PACIFIC 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY DOSAGE FORMS, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

33. ASIA-PACIFIC 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY TECHNOLOGY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

34. ASIA-PACIFIC 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

35. REST OF THE WORLD 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY COUNTRY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

36. REST OF THE WORLD 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY DOSAGE FORMS, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

37. REST OF THE WORLD 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY TECHNOLOGY, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

38. REST OF THE WORLD 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION, 2020-2027($ MILLION)


1. IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

2. IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET BY SEGMENT, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

3. RECOVERY OF GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET, 2021-2027(%)

4. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY DOSAGE FORMS, 2020 VS 2027(%)

5. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY TECHNOLOGY, 2020 VS 2027(%)

6. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY APPLICATION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

7. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY GEOGRAPHY, 2020 VS 2027(%)

8. GLOBAL TABLET FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

9. GLOBAL CAPSULES FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

10. GLOBAL MULTI-DRUG IMPLANT FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

11. GLOBAL NANOPARTICLES FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

12. GLOBAL SOLUTIONS FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

13. GLOBAL NANOSUSPENSION FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

14. GLOBAL ENCAPSULATED WITHIN A POLYMER FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

15. GLOBAL IMPLANT FOR 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

16. GLOBAL INKJET PRINTING IN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

17. GLOBAL ZIP DOSE IN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

18. GLOBAL FUSED DEPOSITION MODELLING (FDM) IN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

19. GLOBAL STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA) IN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

20. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR DENTAL MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

21. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR HEARING & AUDIBILITY AIDMARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

22. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR MEDICAL IMPLANTS MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

23. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR NEUROLOGY MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

24. GLOBAL 3D PRINTED DRUGS FOR ORTHOPEDIC MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2020 VS 2027(%)

25. US 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

26. CANADA 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

27. UK 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

28. FRANCE 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

29. GERMANY 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

30. ITALY 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

31. SPAIN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

32. REST OF EUROPE 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

33. INDIA 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

34. CHINA 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

35. JAPAN 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

36. SOUTH KOREA 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

37. REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)

38. REST OF THE WORLD 3D PRINTED DRUGS MARKET SIZE, 2020-2027($ MILLION)