FDA approves 3D-printed drug

The drug, known as Spritam, is designed to treat the partial onset of seizures, myoclonic seizures and primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children with epilepsy.

Aprecia Pharmaceuticals, the company behind Spritam, utilises a proprietary 3D printing platform to 3D print porous medication that is designed to rapidly disintegrate when it comes into contact with liquid.

By combining 3D [printing] technology with a highly-prescribed epilepsy treatment, Spritam is designed to fill a need for patients

Aprecia Pharmaceuticals CEO Don Wetherhold

The company’s ZipDose 3D technology platform enables the delivery of a high drug load, up to 1,000 mg in a single dose, Aprecia Pharmaceuticals said.

“By combining 3D [printing] technology with a highly-prescribed epilepsy treatment, Spritam is designed to fill a need for patients who struggle with their current medication experience,” said Don Wetherhold, chief executive officer of Aprecia.

3D printing is often referred to as “additive manufacturing” because the creative process involves the casting down of multiple layers of material, such as resins, until the desired object is produced.

Engineering firms are already creating bespoke and complex products via additive manufacturing.

For instance, Renishaw was the first company to 3D print a metal bike frame. It has also used its expertise in additive manufacturing to assist in the development of prototype parts for the Bloodhound Project – a supersonic car designed to break the 1,000 mph speed barrier.