APL & CurifyLabs Partner to Use 3D Printing Tech for Personalized Medicines

This collaboration aims to improve the administration of medication, particularly for children and critically ill patients, where traditional pharmaceutical methods often fall short.

APL, a leading Swedish manufacturer of extemporaneous medicines, has partnered with Finnish healthtech firm CurifyLabs to develop personalized medicine solutions using 3D printing technology. 

This collaboration aims to improve the administration of medication, particularly for children and critically ill patients, where traditional pharmaceutical methods often fall short.

"3D printing is an exciting technology that fits well with extemporaneous manufacturing. This partnership gives us new opportunities to fulfill our public policy mandate," said Erik Haeffler, CEO of APL.

APL, or Apotek Produktion & Laboratories, is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of extemporaneous drugs and stock preparations. The organization holds a public policy mandate from the Swedish government to provide customized medicines and ensure preparedness for healthcare during crises.

Utilizing 3D Printing Tech for Personalization

Unlike the rigid formulations produced through conventional processes, 3D printing allows for more precise, customizable dosages and dosage forms. 

This advancement is set to reduce side effects and improve overall patient outcomes. APL and CurifyLabs plan to implement this new technology to meet the needs of critically ill patients by creating personalized medicines more efficiently and sustainably.

In contrast to traditional manufacturing, which requires a minimum of 100 capsules per batch, 3D printing produces precise doses tailored to individual patient requirements. 

According to the companies, this technology not only reduces waste but also promotes sustainability in drug manufacturing. 

By incorporating 3D printing, APL will also improve working conditions for its staff, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and limiting exposure to potentially harmful substances.

The move to incorporate 3D printing technology is seen as a critical step in improving the administration of medicines, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and critically ill patients. 

Customized doses are crucial in these groups, where incorrect dosing can have severe consequences. 

Charlotta Topelius, CEO at CurifyLabs, said, “APL has demonstrated strong capabilities in extemporaneous medicines with high quality and consistency, which will be critical to accelerating our development efforts together. We look forward to combining our strengths to create greater value for patients needing personalized medicines.”

Roll Out Timelines 

As per the sources, the first 3D printers will be delivered to APL in September 2024. By 2025, the company plans to roll out fully compliant and validated 3D-printed extemporaneous medicines to the Swedish market.

This collaboration also supports APL’s public policy assignment from the Swedish government, which includes preparedness to maintain operations during a crisis or war. 

With over 500 employees and several manufacturing units across Sweden, APL aims to continue developing solutions that make a difference for patients with complex and unmet medical needs.

Founded in 2021, CurifyLabs is a Finnish healthtech company focused on developing personalized medicine manufacturing solutions for pharmacies and hospitals. Their automated technology enables the mass customization of medicines, ensuring safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.