Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: 2025 Outlook & Key Takeaways
- Technology Primer: How Printed Nanoparticle Therapeutics Work
- Major Players & Innovators: Leading Companies and Startups (2025)
- Core Applications: Oncology, Infectious Diseases, and Beyond
- Manufacturing Advances: Scalable Printing Techniques and Quality Control
- Market Size & Forecasts: 2025–2029 Growth Projections
- Investment Landscape: Funding Trends and Strategic Partnerships
- Regulatory & IP Environment: Approvals, Standards, and Barriers
- Challenges & Risks: Supply Chain, Scalability, and Safety Concerns
- Future Outlook: Key Milestones and Game-Changing Innovations Ahead
- Sources & References
Executive Summary: 2025 Outlook & Key Takeaways
The field of printed nanoparticle therapeutics is poised for significant transformation in 2025, driven by advances in additive manufacturing, nanomedicine, and precision drug delivery. The integration of printing technologies—such as inkjet, aerosol jet, and 3D bioprinting—with functional nanoparticles is accelerating the development and customization of therapeutics for oncology, infectious diseases, and regenerative medicine.
Key industry leaders and technology providers are spearheading collaborations to translate laboratory innovations into scalable manufacturing solutions. HP Inc. has expanded its digital manufacturing initiatives to include printed pharmaceutical platforms, leveraging its expertise in precision 3D printing to enable on-demand fabrication of nanoparticle-laden dosage forms. Similarly, Nanoscribe GmbH is advancing high-resolution micro- and nanoscale printing, supporting the production of microstructured drug delivery systems with embedded nanoparticles for targeted therapy applications.
Recent clinical collaborations, such as those by Evonik Industries, have demonstrated the efficacy of inkjet-printed nanoparticles for controlled release formulations, with pilot programs underway to evaluate patient-specific dosage and release profiles. Regulatory progress is also evident, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuing guidance for additive manufacturing of medical products, paving the way for accelerated approval pathways for printed nanoparticle therapeutics.
- Customization and Precision: Printed nanoparticle therapeutics are enabling unprecedented customization, allowing for patient-specific dosage forms and release kinetics. This is expected to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient adherence, particularly in oncology and chronic disease management.
- Manufacturing Scalability: Companies like Stratasys Ltd. and Thermo Fisher Scientific are investing in scalable printing platforms compatible with pharmaceutical GMP standards, indicating a shift from proof-of-concept to commercial-scale production within the next 2–4 years.
- Regulatory and Quality Assurance: Industry stakeholders are working closely with regulatory agencies to establish quality systems and validation protocols, ensuring safety, reproducibility, and compliance for printed nanoparticle therapeutics.
- Outlook: By 2025 and beyond, the sector is expected to see the launch of the first commercially viable printed nanoparticle drugs, with expansion into personalized medicine, combination therapies, and smart drug delivery devices. Strategic partnerships and continued investment in advanced printing technologies will be critical for sector growth.
In summary, 2025 marks an inflection point for printed nanoparticle therapeutics, with rapid translation from research to regulated clinical applications. Ongoing collaborations among technology providers, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies will shape the future landscape, setting new standards for precision medicine.
Technology Primer: How Printed Nanoparticle Therapeutics Work
Printed nanoparticle therapeutics represent a convergence of advanced nanotechnology, precision medicine, and next-generation manufacturing. At their core, these therapeutics are pharmaceutical formulations in which functional nanoparticles—engineered carriers for drugs, genes, or biologics—are created, formulated, and deposited using digital or additive manufacturing techniques, such as inkjet, aerosol jet, or 3D printing.
The process starts with the synthesis of nanoparticles, typically composed of biocompatible materials such as lipids, polymers (e.g., PLGA, PEG), or inorganic substances (e.g., gold, silica). These nanoparticles are loaded with therapeutic agents—ranging from small molecules to mRNA, siRNA, or peptides—and suspended in specialized “inks” or printable formulations. The precise composition of the ink is critical, as it must retain nanoparticle stability, bioactivity, and printability.
Digital printing technologies then deposit these inks onto substrates or directly into dosage forms (such as dissolvable films, microneedle patches, or oral tablets) with sub-microliter accuracy. This enables the spatially controlled placement of therapeutic nanoparticles, allowing for highly personalized dosing, combination therapies, or complex release profiles within a single device. Advances in 2024 and early 2025 have seen the first GMP-compliant printed nanoparticle manufacturing lines established, with organizations like Novartis and Bayer piloting printed nanoparticle-based oral and transdermal therapeutics for oncology and vaccine applications.
A key advantage of printed nanoparticle therapeutics is their adaptability and scalability. Digital design files can be rapidly modified to accommodate patient-specific needs or new drug formulations, supporting personalized or small-batch production. Additionally, the closed, automated nature of high-throughput printing platforms—such as those developed by HP (leveraging their digital dispensing technology for pharma) and 3D Systems—minimizes contamination risk and supports traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
In practical terms, these technologies are already being used to print dissolvable films embedded with mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles for rapid mucosal vaccination, as well as microneedle arrays containing multi-drug nanoparticle payloads for chronic disease management. Ongoing collaborations between pharmaceutical manufacturers and digital printing technology providers are expected to bring the first commercial printed nanoparticle therapeutics to market by 2026-2027, pending regulatory approvals. Industry leaders anticipate that over the next few years, printed nanoparticle therapeutics will unlock new frontiers in personalized medicine, targeted delivery, and combination therapy, with a strong focus on oncology, infectious diseases, and rare genetic disorders.
Major Players & Innovators: Leading Companies and Startups (2025)
The landscape of printed nanoparticle therapeutics is rapidly evolving, with a growing number of companies and startups pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing and nanomedicine. As of 2025, several major players and emerging innovators are at the forefront, driving commercialization, clinical translation, and technological breakthroughs in this sector.
- Johnson & Johnson: Through its subsidiary Janssen, Johnson & Johnson has invested in exploring nanoparticle drug formulations and has recently partnered with additive manufacturing firms to investigate printed delivery systems for oncology and immunology indications. Their initiatives focus on precise, patient-specific therapeutic dosing enabled by 3D-printed nanoparticles.
- Evonik Industries: A leader in pharmaceutical excipients and drug delivery, Evonik Industries has expanded its nanomedicine portfolio to include printable nanoparticle ink formulations. In 2024-2025, Evonik announced collaborations with several biotech startups to co-develop 3D-printed oral and implantable therapeutics leveraging their RESOMER® polymers.
- Nano Dimension: Known for additive electronics, Nano Dimension has diversified into bioprinting platforms capable of dispensing nanoparticle suspensions. In 2025, they launched a new system tailored for research institutions and CDMOs, enabling the fabrication of nanoparticle-based drug delivery devices with micrometer-scale precision.
- Micron Biomedical: Micron Biomedical is pioneering the development of 3D-printed microneedle patches loaded with nanoparticles for vaccine and therapeutic delivery. Their 2025 clinical trials for printed nanoparticle influenza vaccines highlight the promise of scalable, minimally invasive administration technologies.
- Aspect Biosystems: Specializing in microfluidics and bioprinting, Aspect Biosystems has developed proprietary methods for integrating nanoparticles into spatially controlled, printed tissue therapeutics. Their partnerships with pharma companies aim to accelerate the translation of these constructs into regenerative medicine applications.
- Innovative Startups: Startups like CELLINK (now part of BICO Group), Vaxess Technologies, and Nanobiotix are also advancing printed nanoparticle therapeutics. CELLINK offers bioprinting platforms supporting nanoparticle-laden bioinks, while Vaxess and Nanobiotix are developing novel printed nanoparticle-based vaccines and cancer therapies, respectively.
Looking ahead, the synergy between established pharmaceutical giants and agile startups is expected to accelerate the adoption of printed nanoparticle therapeutics. The next few years will likely see increased regulatory engagement, more clinical trials, and the emergence of scalable manufacturing solutions, positioning this sector for substantial growth and impact on personalized medicine.
Core Applications: Oncology, Infectious Diseases, and Beyond
The integration of printed nanoparticle therapeutics into clinical and research pipelines is accelerating in 2025, with oncology and infectious diseases at the forefront of innovation. Printed nanoparticle therapeutics leverage advanced additive manufacturing and inkjet printing technologies to precisely fabricate drug-loaded nanoparticles, enabling tailored dosage forms, combination therapies, and on-demand production—capabilities that are rapidly transitioning from lab-scale demonstrations to early commercial and clinical settings.
In oncology, the flexibility of printed nanoparticles is enabling precise co-delivery of multiple chemotherapeutic agents with controlled release profiles and localization to tumor tissues. Recent collaborations, such as those between Nanoform and leading pharmaceutical companies, are exploring the use of nanoparticle engineering and microfabrication to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of poorly soluble anticancer drugs. These approaches are being evaluated in preclinical studies, with human trials anticipated in the next 1–2 years.
For infectious diseases, printed nanoparticles are addressing key challenges in vaccine and antiviral drug delivery. Companies like Precision NanoSystems (a part of Cytiva) are advancing microfluidic and printing-based technologies to produce lipid nanoparticle formulations for mRNA vaccines and therapeutic agents. These printed nanoparticles allow for rapid prototyping and scalable production, critical for responding to emerging infectious threats. In 2025, pilot programs are underway to demonstrate distributed manufacturing models, where vaccine formulations can be produced near the point-of-care using modular, printer-based systems.
Beyond these primary applications, printed nanoparticle therapeutics are being explored for autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and regenerative medicine. For example, 3D Systems is collaborating with academic and biotech partners to develop bioprinted tissues and organs that incorporate therapeutic nanoparticles for localized drug delivery and enhanced tissue integration.
Looking ahead, regulatory agencies are actively engaging with industry stakeholders to establish guidelines for the quality control and safety of printed nanoparticle therapeutics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emerging Technology Program is working with technology developers to assess manufacturing consistency and clinical performance of these novel dosage forms (FDA). Over the next few years, as pilot clinical trials mature and regulatory frameworks solidify, printed nanoparticle therapeutics are expected to move toward broader adoption, transforming personalized medicine and global health delivery.
Manufacturing Advances: Scalable Printing Techniques and Quality Control
The manufacturing of printed nanoparticle therapeutics is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by advances in scalable printing techniques and increasingly rigorous quality control standards. As of 2025, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are leveraging a variety of additive manufacturing approaches—including inkjet, aerosol jet, and extrusion-based printing—to produce therapeutics with precisely engineered nanoparticle formulations. These methods enable the deposition of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients at the micro- and nanoscale, offering unprecedented control over dose uniformity and drug release kinetics.
One of the most significant developments is the industrial adoption of inkjet-based printing platforms for nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Companies such as HP and GE Additive are adapting their advanced printing hardware, originally developed for electronics and prototyping, to meet the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical manufacturing. These systems allow for high-throughput production of personalized dosage forms and complex multi-drug combinations, with demonstrated batch-to-batch consistency at the nanogram scale.
Maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance is a central challenge in scaling up these processes. In response, manufacturers have integrated real-time process analytical technologies (PAT) and in-line quality monitoring tools. For example, Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced modular analytical platforms capable of monitoring nanoparticle size distribution, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency during the printing process, ensuring that each batch meets predefined critical quality attributes.
- Process Automation: Fully automated printing lines with robotic handling and closed-loop feedback systems are reducing human error and contamination risk, paving the way for continuous manufacturing models. Siemens has partnered with pharmaceutical manufacturers to implement digital twin technology, simulating and optimizing nanoparticle therapeutic production at every stage.
- Standardization and Traceability: Serialization and digital tracking technologies, such as those implemented by IBM, are being used to ensure traceability of raw materials and finished products, addressing regulatory expectations for transparency and accountability.
- Regulatory Integration: Collaboration between industry and regulatory agencies is intensifying. Initiatives with agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have led to pilot programs for real-time release testing, accelerating time-to-market while upholding safety standards.
Looking ahead, the increasing convergence of digital manufacturing, advanced analytics, and regulatory harmonization is expected to further streamline the scale-up of printed nanoparticle therapeutics. The next few years will likely see the emergence of integrated, modular manufacturing suites capable of producing small, patient-specific batches as well as large commercial lots, reinforcing the role of printing technologies in the future of precision medicine.
Market Size & Forecasts: 2025–2029 Growth Projections
The market for printed nanoparticle therapeutics is poised for robust growth from 2025 through 2029, driven by advancements in additive manufacturing and the ongoing integration of nanotechnology into pharmaceutical development. As of 2025, early-stage commercial deployments and pilot programs are transitioning into scalable production, particularly for individualized drug delivery systems and targeted cancer therapeutics. This shift is propelled by the pursuit of more precise, patient-specific solutions and the capacity of printed nanoparticles to achieve controlled release and improved bioavailability.
Key industry players are expanding their capabilities in nanoparticle ink formulation and high-throughput printing platforms. NanoImaging Services and nanoComposix have both invested in scaling up custom nanoparticle production, supporting pharmaceutical partners in developing printed therapeutics tailored to oncological and rare disease applications. Similarly, Sartorius has reported increased demand for its nanoparticle characterization tools as pharmaceutical manufacturers commercialize therapeutic products utilizing printed nanoparticle constructs.
From 2025 onward, volume production is expected to accelerate, fueled by regulatory milestones and the expansion of clinical trial pipelines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced new guidances for nanomaterial-based drug platforms, streamlining the path to commercialization, which is expected to stimulate investment across the sector (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). In addition, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is reviewing several advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) that incorporate printed nanoparticle approaches (European Medicines Agency).
- By 2027, sector participants anticipate that printed nanoparticle therapeutics will comprise a significant proportion of advanced drug delivery systems, particularly in oncology, rare diseases, and vaccine adjuvants.
- Leading manufacturers, such as Precision NanoSystems, are scaling up their modular microfluidic platforms, enabling rapid, GMP-compliant production of personalized nanoparticle formulations at commercial volumes.
- Strategic partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and nanotechnology specialists are expected to broaden, with joint ventures and licensing agreements supporting the co-development of next-generation therapeutics.
Overall, the outlook for printed nanoparticle therapeutics from 2025 to 2029 is one of rapid expansion, technological maturation, and increasing regulatory clarity, positioning the sector as a key driver of personalized medicine and advanced drug delivery innovation.
Investment Landscape: Funding Trends and Strategic Partnerships
The investment landscape for printed nanoparticle therapeutics has experienced robust growth in 2025, reflecting the technology’s promise to revolutionize drug formulation and delivery. This surge is driven by advances in precision printing methods, such as inkjet and aerosol jet printing, which enable the scalable and reproducible manufacture of nanoparticles for therapeutic use. Key players, including pharmaceutical giants and specialized nanotechnology firms, are actively expanding their portfolios through funding rounds and strategic collaborations.
- In early 2025, Pfizer announced a partnership with NanoImaging Services to explore printed nanoparticle platforms for targeted oncology therapeutics. The collaboration aims to leverage NanoImaging’s expertise in structural characterization with Pfizer’s formulation capabilities, accelerating the translation of lab-scale processes to commercial production.
- GSK has increased its venture investment in startups developing printed nanoparticle systems for vaccine delivery, focusing on companies utilizing microfluidic printing for precise particle size control. In Q1 2025, GSK co-led a $40 million Series B round for Vaxess Technologies, which is developing printed nanoparticle patches for mRNA vaccine delivery.
- On the manufacturing side, 3D Systems has expanded its healthcare solutions division, investing in proprietary printheads and nanoparticle-compatible inks tailored for pharmaceutical applications. The company’s partnership with Lonza in late 2024 has resulted in a dedicated pilot line for GMP-compliant printed nanoparticle formulations, with clinical supply capabilities expected by 2026.
- Meanwhile, Merck KGaA (operating as EMD Electronics in the US) is channeling R&D funding into printable excipients and surface modifiers to enhance nanoparticle stability and bioavailability, collaborating with academic consortia and biotech firms to accelerate product development.
Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to see further consolidation and cross-sector alliances, as regulatory clarity emerges and proof-of-concept studies progress into late-stage clinical trials. Investors are particularly attentive to companies demonstrating scalable production, regulatory compliance, and therapeutic efficacy. Strategic partnerships between pharmaceutical multinationals, device manufacturers, and nanotech specialists are poised to drive commercialization, with a growing focus on personalized medicine applications and decentralized manufacturing models.
Regulatory & IP Environment: Approvals, Standards, and Barriers
The regulatory landscape for printed nanoparticle therapeutics in 2025 is rapidly evolving, reflecting both the promise and complexity of this emerging technology. As the pharmaceutical industry integrates additive manufacturing and nanotechnology, regulatory agencies are adapting existing frameworks while working to establish new standards tailored to the unique risks and benefits of these products.
In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued specific guidance on the use of 3D printing (additive manufacturing) for medical products, with a focus on ensuring quality, reproducibility, and patient safety. Building upon these foundations, the FDA is currently collaborating with academic and industry partners to address the particular challenges posed by nanoparticle-based therapeutics, such as characterization, batch consistency, and potential toxicity. The recent approval of 3D-printed oral dosage forms and ongoing review of nanoparticle-enabled drug delivery systems underscore the agency’s commitment to balancing innovation with robust evaluation.
In Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has established frameworks for nanomedicines, requiring comprehensive data on nanoparticle size, surface properties, and biocompatibility. As of 2025, the EMA is extending these requirements to cover printed therapeutics, engaging with stakeholders through its Innovation Task Force to facilitate early scientific advice for developers leveraging printing technologies. Harmonization between EMA and FDA approaches is gaining momentum, with both agencies participating in international working groups under the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH).
On the intellectual property (IP) front, the intersection of printing processes, nanoparticle formulations, and device designs has resulted in a surge of patent filings. Companies like FUJIFILM Corporation and Nanoscribe GmbH & Co. KG have secured patents on novel printing techniques and nanoparticle compositions for therapeutic use. However, the fragmented nature of IP rights across jurisdictions and the increasing complexity of overlapping patents present barriers to market entry and freedom to operate.
Key regulatory barriers remain, including the need for standardized test methods for nanoparticle characterization, clear guidance on quality control in decentralized or point-of-care printing environments, and harmonized definitions for printed nanotherapeutics. Regulatory agencies are expected to issue additional guidance documents over the next few years, aiming to provide clarity and foster safe adoption. As international collaboration intensifies and more products enter clinical trials, the regulatory and IP environment for printed nanoparticle therapeutics is poised for significant advancement by the late 2020s.
Challenges & Risks: Supply Chain, Scalability, and Safety Concerns
The advancement of printed nanoparticle therapeutics in 2025 is accompanied by a host of challenges and risks, particularly in the realms of supply chain management, scalability, and safety. As the field shifts from laboratory-scale innovations to broader clinical and commercial deployment, these concerns have become increasingly prominent among manufacturers, regulators, and healthcare providers.
Supply Chain Constraints
The production of printed nanoparticle therapeutics relies on a highly specialized supply chain, encompassing raw nanomaterials, advanced printing inks, and precision equipment. Disruptions—such as limited access to high-purity nanoparticles or specialized reagents—can significantly delay manufacturing timelines. For example, MilliporeSigma (Merck KGaA’s Life Science business) supplies critical nanoparticle reagents and has reported supply pressures, particularly in rare earth and precious metal nanomaterials, which are essential for certain therapeutic formulations. Furthermore, the need for sterile, GMP-compliant environments throughout the supply chain raises logistical complexity and cost.
Scalability Hurdles
Scaling up from pilot to commercial production presents unique challenges for printed nanoparticle therapeutics. The precise control required for nanoparticle size, distribution, and surface functionalization during the printing process means that minor deviations at scale can lead to batch inconsistencies or reduced therapeutic efficacy. Companies such as NanoImprint Solutions are developing next-generation roll-to-roll and inkjet printing systems specifically tailored for nanomedicine, yet they acknowledge ongoing difficulties in achieving reproducible, large-scale output with stringent quality assurance. Maintaining nanoscale uniformity and preventing aggregation remain persistent obstacles as throughput increases.
Safety and Regulatory Concerns
Safety is a paramount consideration, both in terms of patient outcomes and occupational health. Printed nanoparticles can exhibit unique biological interactions due to their size and surface properties, raising concerns of unforeseen toxicity, immunoreactivity, or bioaccumulation. Regulatory agencies—including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—have issued guidance on the characterization and testing of nanotherapeutics, but harmonized international standards are still in development. Companies such as Creative Biolabs are investing in advanced in vitro and in vivo models to predict off-target effects and optimize biocompatibility, yet long-term safety data for many printed nanoparticle systems remain limited.
Outlook
Looking ahead, the printed nanoparticle therapeutics sector is expected to address these challenges through increased investment in supply chain resilience, automation of quality controls, and multi-stakeholder collaboration on regulatory frameworks. However, significant hurdles remain, and the pace at which these issues are resolved will directly influence the widespread adoption and clinical impact of printed nanomedicines in the coming years.
Future Outlook: Key Milestones and Game-Changing Innovations Ahead
As the field of printed nanoparticle therapeutics advances into 2025 and the following years, several pivotal milestones and innovations are expected to reshape the landscape of drug formulation and personalized medicine. The integration of advanced printing technologies—such as inkjet, aerosol jet, and 3D bioprinting—with nanoparticle-based drug delivery is poised to move from preclinical exploration toward clinical and commercial applications.
- Transition from Lab to Clinic: Several companies are targeting the scale-up of printed nanoparticle platforms for clinical trials. Nanoform, for example, has expanded its nanoparticle engineering capabilities, enabling the production of ultra-fine particles suitable for precise printed dosing. Their collaboration with global pharmaceutical partners aims to initiate first-in-human studies of printed nanoparticle-based oral and transdermal therapeutics in 2025.
- Personalized Medicine Realized: On-demand, patient-specific therapeutics are projected to be a near-term reality, thanks to the flexibility of digital printing technologies. FUJIFILM is leveraging its inkjet printing expertise to develop printed drug delivery systems incorporating nanoparticles, with pilot programs for custom pediatric and geriatric formulations expected to launch by 2026.
- Regulatory and Manufacturing Standards: The establishment of regulatory frameworks and good manufacturing practices specific to printed nanoparticle medicines is underway. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated draft guidance for 3D-printed pharmaceuticals, and is expected to expand these guidelines to encompass nanoparticle-enabled therapies by 2025, facilitating smoother clinical translation.
- Integrated Smart Therapeutics: The convergence of printed electronics and nanoparticle drug carriers is expected to yield “smart” therapeutic devices. Nanoscribe is pioneering the use of high-precision microprinting to fabricate implantable devices that release nanoparticle drugs in response to physiological triggers, with first-in-animal studies anticipated in the coming year.
- Global Partnerships for Accelerated Development: Cross-sector collaborations are intensifying, as seen with Evonik Industries partnering with pharmaceutical companies to integrate their polymer-based nanoparticles into printable dosage forms, targeting scalable commercialization by 2027.
Overall, the next few years will likely witness the first regulatory approvals, broader clinical adoption, and the emergence of novel therapeutic modalities enabled by printed nanoparticle technologies. These developments are set to accelerate the shift toward precision, efficiency, and patient-centricity in pharmaceutical care.
Sources & References
- Nanoscribe GmbH
- Evonik Industries
- Stratasys Ltd.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Novartis
- 3D Systems
- Janssen
- Evonik Industries
- nanomedicine portfolio
- Nano Dimension
- Micron Biomedical
- Aspect Biosystems
- CELLINK
- Nanobiotix
- Nanoform
- GE Additive
- Siemens
- IBM
- NanoImaging Services
- Sartorius
- European Medicines Agency
- GSK
- International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use
- FUJIFILM Corporation
