January 6, 2025, according to the resource library, Chinese researchers recently successfully developed a new 3D printed CBD (cannabidiol) suppository, providing an effective and safe drug delivery method for the treatment of epilepsy. The research team designed a hollow-structured suppository by combining advanced 3D printing technology with mold forming technology. This structure can allow for slow drug release and significantly improve the effectiveness and bioavailability of CBD.
This innovative research was published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and was funded by the Original Innovation Joint Fund of the Beijing and Haidian Natural Science Foundation.
The main bottleneck of traditional oral CBD medications is the “first-pass effect”, that is, the drug is metabolized and broken down in large quantities as it passes through the liver, which which results in a significant decrease in bioavailability. The CBD suppository developed this time adopts a unique hollow design, which can directly deliver medicine to the action site, bypassing the liver metabolism process. This new suppository is particularly suitable for children and patients with digestive system restrictions, providing them with a more convenient treatment option.
The suppository consists of two key parts: the outer shell and the internal support structure. The shell contains a mixture of CBD, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is formed by 3D printed metal molds and has good stability and sustained release properties. The internal structure is printed using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology, using thermoplastic polyurethane material to form a spring-like support to ensure shape stability and functional release of the medication during use.
Experimental data shows that the suppository can slowly release CBD within 5 hours, producing long-lasting medicinal effects. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, researchers have verified its safety and effectiveness. In tests on epileptic rats, use of the suppository significantly reduced brain damage and inflammation. Additionally, the study found that this treatment helped improve the composition of the gut microbiota, suggesting additional potential health benefits.
