Revolutionizing pharmaceutical treatment with the help of new technologies - case iGalenici in Italy

Mixing galenic tradition with 3D printing can revolutionize pharmaceutical treatment, particularly for complex conditions such as oncological diseases and rare illnesses. This revolution originates in Naples, specifically at iGalenici, a pharmaceutical laboratory led by two brothers, Giuseppe and Gennaro Fusco, who come from a long lineage in the pharmaceutical industry.

The story of iGalenici is deeply rooted in the history of Farmacia Mura Greche, founded by their father, Aldo, in the heart of Naples. “For almost 20 years,” says Giuseppe, “we have made our galenic preparations our strength, turning iGalenici into a meeting point between tradition and pharmaceutical innovation.” A true crossroads of technology. “Last year, we expanded our galenic laboratory, introducing new facilities such as a sterile room for preparing eye drops and injectable formulations. Then, in September 2024, we came across a pharmaceutical 3D printer developed in Finland. Given that we supply galenic preparations for pediatric oncology hospital units in the region, we immediately saw its potential.”

This discovery led to a partnership with CurifyLabs, a Finnish company specializing in innovative solutions for personalized drug production using 3D printing. Thanks to this collaboration, iGalenici has integrated technology that enables the production of highly precise, customized medications.
The introduction of the CurifyLabs 3D printer is revolutionizing the approach to galenic pharmacy, particularly in pediatric and oncological therapies. “The innovation and significance of this printer lie in its ability to create personalized pediatric dosages,” Fusco explains. “Commercially available oncological drugs often lack pediatric equivalents, requiring dilution for administration — an approach that can lead to dosing errors or reduced efficacy.” 3D printing fundamentally changes this scenario by allowing for the precise and tailored preparation of medications. “Having a pharmaceutical 3D printer enables us to design the exact formula, ensuring accurate dosage and uniform drug mass,” Fusco adds. “For example, when producing a batch of 10 orally dissolvable gel capsules, the 3D printer provides the exact weight of each unit, allowing us to immediately verify whether they meet the required standards for administration.”

This technology caters to a wide range of personalized treatment needs. “Rare diseases affect a very small population, making it even more difficult to find industrially manufactured medications. As one of the leading galenic laboratories in Campania for rare disease treatments, we can now address these patients' needs as well,” says Fusco.

Personalized solutions and galenic preparations have been at the core of Giuseppe Fusco’s work for years. Over a decade ago, he also founded Officina Italica, a startup dedicated to cosmetic formulations, which is now increasingly focused on dermatology. However, the introduction of this new technology in Campania is raising awareness about the potential of pharmaceutical innovation.

“The key is making a difference one step at a time,” Fusco emphasizes. “That’s why we will share our experience at the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) Congress in Copenhagen from March 12 to 14 this year. We want to highlight the role of community pharmacies in delivering personalized treatments and finding innovative solutions that improve the quality and safety of pharmaceutical preparations.”

Curifylabs is proud to be able to work with innovators such as iGalenici and look forward to continued collaboration. Learn more about iGalenici and the most recent article published in an Italian newspaper.