The next pharmaceutical path: Determining technology evolution in drug delivery products fabricated with additive manufacturing

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is increasingly gaining a presence in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically in the reconfiguration of drug delivery systems wherein new products are being developed for administering pharmaceuticals inside the body, and drug testing systems wherein complex tissues are created to analyze medical treatments. This paper proposes a novel methodology of Competitive Technology Intelligence (CTI) to uncover the evolution of new drug delivery products where additive manufacturing is present. Using the multiple linear regression analysis and hype cycle model as a conceptual basis, we processed data from scientific papers and patents indexed by Scopus and PatSnap for the period of 2004–2019. The outcomes of this study can create a relevant knowledge base for decision-making on introducing novel technologies such as AM. Industrial and academic communities are devoting important efforts toward the advancement of AM in the health industry, especially pharmaceuticals. It is expected that this technology will bring new solutions to address fundamental global health problems. However, this technology is still in its very early stage. Therefore, investments should focus on research and development (R&D) to build a solid foundation for commercialization in the next decade.