The pharmacy of the future? Personalized pills, 3D printed at home | Daniel Kraft

Medication Nation: Challenges and Solutions

The speaker discusses the challenges associated with medication use, including inefficacy, adverse reactions, dosing issues, and noncompliance. He emphasizes the need for improvement in the current healthcare system.

Medication Inefficacy and Adverse Reactions

• Many drugs prescribed do not work effectively for patients.

• Only benefitting a small percentage of those who take them.

• Some individuals are unknowingly resistant to common medications like aspirin.

• Aspirin-resistant individuals still face risks of adverse effects such as gastrointestinal bleeds.

• Adverse drug reactions are a significant cause of mortality in the United States.

• Highlighted by a personal anecdote about his grandfather's adverse reaction to antibiotics.

Dosing Challenges and Noncompliance

• Challenges in dosing are prevalent across different patient populations.

• Dosing discrepancies based on age, weight, sex, and race are common.

• Noncompliance with medication regimens is a widespread issue.

• A large percentage of adults struggle with taking multiple medications correctly.

Moving Towards Precision Medicine

The speaker advocates for advancements in personalized medicine through innovative technologies and improved data connectivity to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Advancements in Precision Medicine

• Current medical practices rely on trial-and-error approaches rather than precision medicine.

• Calls for reimagining medication administration for better outcomes and cost savings.

• Emphasizes leveraging emerging technologies for tailored treatment approaches.

• Proposes utilizing connected health information systems for proactive healthcare delivery.

Utilizing Technology for Health Optimization

• Integration of quantified self-data can revolutionize preventive care strategies.

• Discusses the potential benefits of real-time health monitoring using wearable devices.

• Technological innovations enable continuous monitoring and optimization of treatments like hypertension management.

• Highlights the role of connected blood pressure cuffs in improving adherence and outcomes.

Empowering Patients Through Data

The speaker explores how technology can empower patients by providing real-time health data insights that inform personalized treatment decisions.

Real-Time Health Monitoring

• Technology enables real-time monitoring of vital signs and physiological data.

• Demonstrates how wearable devices can offer immediate feedback on health metrics.

• Data-driven insights support personalized medication dosing adjustments based on individual responses.

• Illustrates how AI can analyze retrospective data to optimize future treatment plans.

Future Possibilities with Connected Health Data

• Connectivity advancements allow seamless sharing of health information among individuals globally.

IntelliMedicine: The Future of Personalized Medication

In this section, the speaker discusses the potential of intelligence augmentation in optimizing drug doses and combinations for individuals. He highlights the current use of technology in tracking medications and envisions a future where personalized polypills could revolutionize medication intake.

Leveraging Technology for Personalized Medication

• The speaker emphasizes using intelligence augmentation to optimize drug doses and combinations tailored to individuals.

• Introduces the concept of a polypill, integrating multiple medications into a single pill for simplicity and effectiveness.

• Discusses studies on prevention polypills showing significant risk reduction but emphasizes the need for personalization.

3D Printing Personalized Polypills

This part delves into the innovative idea of 3D printing personalized polypills, offering customized medication solutions that are easier to take, enhance adherence, and potentially include supplements.

Revolutionizing Medication Delivery

• Proposes 3D printing personalized polypills based on individual needs and adapting daily if required.

• Introduces "IntelliMeds" concept and showcases the first IntelliMedicine prototype printer designed for personalized medication printing.

• Explains how micromeds are selected, layered, and printed based on individual dose requirements using FDA-approved drugs.

Future Implications of Personalized Medicine

This segment explores the future implications of personalized medicine through smart adaptation based on real-time health data, potential integration into everyday life settings like homes or pharmacies, and its role in improving global medication adherence.

Advancing Healthcare Through Personalization

• Envisions smart adaptation of medication based on real-time health data such as blood pressure levels.

• Foresees a future where individuals can print their personalized polypills at home each morning for improved adherence.

• Emphasizes transitioning from traditional polypharmacy to personalized, precise medications tailored to individual needs globally.

Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Personalized Medication

The speaker addresses challenges in implementing personalized medication solutions while highlighting the importance of intelligent rollout strategies leveraging new technologies effectively.

Navigating Implementation Challenges

• Discusses regulatory considerations and suggests starting with automated compounding in environments like nursing homes with multiple medications.