FDA approves first 3D-printed prescription drug

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first 3D-printed prescription drug.

The new drug, called Spritam, was developed by Aprecia Pharmaceuticals. It’s made of porous material and is used to treat seizures brought on by epilepsy.

Printing the drug means that layers of medication can be packaged more tightly in precise dosages, making high-dose pills easier to swallow. This is particularly pertinent for seizure sufferers as they are often prescribed large pills that are hard to swallow.

Aprecia Pharmaceuticals said: “While 3D printing has been used previously to manufacture medical devices, this approval marks the first time a drug product manufactured with this technology has been approved by the FDA.”