3D Nadolol
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acceptability Study of Age-Appropriate Extemporaneous Unlicensed 3D-Printed Nadolol Chewable Tablets in Children and Young People
IRAS ID
346615
Contact name
Andrea Gill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
This study explores the potential of using 3D printing to create a new form of extemporaneous medication for children, focusing on nadolol, a drug used to treat irregular heart rhythms. Currently, there are no licensed, child-friendly versions of nadolol available in the UK, so pharmacists must split adult tablets or prepare liquid formulations, which can be inaccurate and unstable. The study aims to address this by producing an extemporaneous customised dose of 3D-printed tablets tailored to each child’s weight, ensuring precise and easy-to-take doses.
The research, led by King’s College London in collaboration with Alder Hey Hospital and other institutions, will evaluate whether 3D printing could be a practical and acceptable solution for unlicensed paediatric medications. Parents, caregivers, and children aged 8–18 years will share their opinions through surveys, and children aged 5-18 years will try a single dose of 3D-printed nadolol tablets. Feedback will focus on taste, smell, texture, appearance, and overall experience. Researchers will also assess the safety, accuracy, and reliability of producing these tablets in a hospital setting. If successful, the study could pave the way for hospitals to create 3D-printed medications extemporaneously for a wide range of conditions, providing better, safer, and more personalised treatments for children.
REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0825
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion