Assessment of 3D Printing Technology in Pharmacy Supply Chains

Akshay Tripathi

Independent Researcher

Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

The integration of 3D printing (additive manufacturing) into pharmacy supply chains offers a transformative shift in how pharmaceutical products are produced, stored, and delivered. This paper assesses the implications of 3D printing technology in the pharmacy supply chain from the perspectives of production efficiency, customization, inventory management, and regulatory preparedness. The study explores the existing literature on early-stage 3D printing in drug manufacturing, the implications on decentralized supply models, and the readiness of pharmaceutical ecosystems to embrace such innovation. By critically analyzing case studies, academic reports, and early industrial trials, the paper aims to understand how 3D printing technology can optimize the pharmacy supply chain and reshape the traditional centralized manufacturing paradigm. The study also highlights the potential barriers, including material constraints, regulatory limitations, and quality control challenges, that could hinder the broader adoption of this technology.

Keywords

3D printing, additive manufacturing, pharmacy supply chain, drug customization, decentralized production

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