ADVERTISEMENT

First 3D-printed pill approved by US authorities

The new drug, dubbed Spritam, was developed by Aprecia Pharmaceuticals to control seizures brought on by epilepsy.

3D-printed pills could pave way for bespoke medicines for individual patients

In a world first, the US Food and Drug Administration has given the go-ahead for a 3D-printed pill to be produced.

The FDA has previously approved medical devices - including prosthetics - that have been 3D printed.

The company said that it planned to develop other medications using its 3D platform.

Printing the drugs allows layers of medication to be packaged more tightly in precise dosages.

ADVERTISEMENT

A separate technology developed by the firm, known as ZipDose, makes high-dose medications easier to swallow.

Printing the drug meant it could package up to 1,000 milligrams into individual tablets.

The 3D-printed pill dissolves in the same manner as other oral medicines.

Being able to 3D print a tablet offers the potential to create bespoke drugs based on the specific needs of patients, rather than having a one product fits all approach, according to experts.

"For the last 50 years we have manufactured tablets in factories and shipped them to hospitals and for the first time this process means we can produce tablets much closer to the patient," said Dr Mohamed Albed Alhnan, a lecturer in pharmaceutics at the University of Central Lancashire.

ADVERTISEMENT

It would mean that medical institutions could adjust the dose for individual patients with just a simple tweak to the software before printing. Previously, such personalised medicine would have been extremely expensive to produce, said Dr Alhnan.

3D printing works by creating an object layer by layer. In the case of medicines, printers are adapted to produce pharmaceutical compounds rather than polymers which are more usually used.

Such methods are already proving very useful in healthcare with doctors using the system to create customised implants for patients with injuries or other conditions.

And dentists, for example, use 3D printers to create replica jaws and teeth as well as other dental implants.

Spritam will launch in the first quarter of 2016, according to Aprecia.

ADVERTISEMENT

Source: BBC

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Adelabu says FG plans to increase power generation from 4k to 6k megawatts

Adelabu says FG plans to increase power generation from 4k to 6k megawatts

Adeyanju denies appealing Bobrisky’s conviction

Adeyanju denies appealing Bobrisky’s conviction

FG shuts Abuja Chinese Supermarket that discriminates against Nigerians

FG shuts Abuja Chinese Supermarket that discriminates against Nigerians

Nigerian Army dismisses 2 soldiers who stole cable at Dangote Refinery

Nigerian Army dismisses 2 soldiers who stole cable at Dangote Refinery

1,802 suspects arrested in 2 weeks during Lagos raids

1,802 suspects arrested in 2 weeks during Lagos raids

Ribadu says terrorism-related deaths have dropped from 2600 monthly to 200

Ribadu says terrorism-related deaths have dropped from 2600 monthly to 200

Nigerian students under 18 shouldn't be in university — minister warns parents

Nigerian students under 18 shouldn't be in university — minister warns parents

End of controversy as Gov Adeleke names one of his wives as official First Lady

End of controversy as Gov Adeleke names one of his wives as official First Lady

Nigeria to boost collaboration, disrupt terrorism-fueling trafficking - Tinubu

Nigeria to boost collaboration, disrupt terrorism-fueling trafficking - Tinubu

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT