3D printed medicine from Aprecia Pharmaceuticals.
Image Posted on Updated on
For the first time, the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has approved a 3D printed drug.
According to Aprecia Pharmaceuticals announcement,” the FDA has approved their SPRITAM levetiracetam drug used for certain types of epileptic seizures. Aprecia uses a ZipDose platform that creates pills by combining multiple layers of powdered medication. This 3D printing (3DP) technology is based on research performed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The 3D printed pill has a porous, water-soluble matrix that rapidly disintegrates with a sip of liquid. This enables heavy doses of medication to be administered with a small sip of liquid. This improves the patient experience. Patients who have difficulty swallowing have a greater chance of missing a dose of the medicine. Missed dose of medicine often leads to seizures. Ease of administration of the medication helps manage the diseases better.¨
According to Don Wetherhold, Chief Executive Officer of Aprecia, “By combining 3DP technology with a highly prescribed epilepsy treatment, SPRITAM is designed to fill a need for patients who struggle with their current medication experience.”