First 3D Printed Pill

The world’s first 3D-drug, Spritam, which was developed to control seizures caused by epilepsy, has been approved by US authorities.

17:37 05 August 2015

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the manufacturing of the world’s first 3D-printed pill. The new drug, called Spritam, was developed by Aprecia Pharmaceuticals to control seizures brought on by epilepsy.

 

The company said that printing the drugs allows layers of medication to be packaged more tightly. It also confirmed plans of developing other 3D-printed medications.

 

Experts say that the 3D technology allows the company to create bespoke drugs based on the specific needs of the patient instead of having a one product fits all approach. The dosage of each pill can be adjusted for individual patients by simply making adjustments to the software before printing.

 

"For the last 50 years we have manufactured tablets in factories and shipped them to hospitals and for the first time this process means we can produce tablets much closer to the patient," said Dr Mohamed Albed Alhnan, a lecturer in pharmaceutics at the University of Central Lancashire.