First 3D Printed pill approved for prescription drug use in the US

The FDA’s approval will see a new epilepsy prescription drug produced by 3D printers

The 3D printed pill (Aprecia Pharmaceuticals)

The first 3D printed pill has been approved by US authorities to produce a new drug to treat epileptic seizures.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Spritram drug, produced by Aprecia Pharmaceuticals, making it the first prescription drug to be manufactured by 3D printing.

The pill is printed with Aprecia’s “ZipDose” technology, which makes the pill porous and able to quickly disintegrate in a "sip" of liquid.

Printing the pill also means the company can package drugs more compactly, with the ability to have up to 1000 milligrams in one easily dissolvable pill, according to the BBC.

Don Wetherhold, Chief Executive of Aprecia, said in a statement: “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.”

“This is the first in a line of central nervous system products Aprecia plans to introduce as part of our commitment to transform the way patients experience taking medication,” he said.