First 3D-printed pills

The world of 3D printing is not only about manufacturing. It can also help to save lives. In July 2015, a pharmaceutical drug was 3D-printed for the first time ever. Spritam – a drug produced by Aprecia from New Jersey, USA, to relieve symptoms associated with seizures – became the first 3D-printed medicine approved for commercial release. The reason for 3D-printing it is that different doses can be created for different needs instead of just creating one size pill for all. Its porous 3D structure allows the pill to dissolve in around four seconds – much faster than standard over-the-counter medicines.

Aprecia Pharmaceuticals plan to use their 3D-printing technology to manufacture a variety of different drugs in future.