3D Drug

The US Food and Drug Administration has for the first time approved a 3D-printed drug to treat certain types of seizures in epilepsy patients. The pill created through 3D printer can produce doses up to 1,000 mg per tablet.

The pill known as Spritam developed by Ohio based company Aprecia Pharmaceuticals has to be taken orally. The tablet has a porous formulation which dissolves with just a sip of liquid. This makes it easier for people and children to take tablets who have trouble swallowing pills. The best advantage of a 3D printed tablet is that it would allow companies to manufacture tablets according to patients’ requirement. 

3D technology at present is used by dentists to create replicas of jaws and by orthopaedic surgeons for customised hip replacement. The medicine marks the beginning of a new era in the medical industry as it paves the way for customised pills.