Helsinki hospital pharmacy begins 3D-printing custom medication for children

The Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) pharmacy has introduced a 3D printer to produce individualized drug doses, primarily for pediatric patients, Yle reports.

The technology addresses long-standing challenges in pediatric medication, where commercially available tablets are often too large for children and splitting them leads to inaccurate dosing. “When tablets are divided, one half may end up larger than the other,” said Maria Rautamo, chief pharmacist at HUS.

The printer creates chewable, flavored tablets in precise doses tailored to each child’s needs. An integrated scale weighs each tablet during production to ensure accuracy. Rautamo noted that easier administration could improve treatment adherence.

HUS is the first hospital pharmacy in Finland to adopt the technology, which has previously been used only in a private pharmacy in Vaasa. The device is currently in testing, with the first patient doses expected in early autumn.

Future applications may extend to elderly patients and those with swallowing difficulties. The method could also enhance medication security by providing alternatives during shortages. Rautamo hopes the technology will eventually allow multiple active ingredients to be combined in a single tablet.