WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first prescription drug made through 3-D printing: a dissolvable tablet that treats seizures.
Aprecia Pharmaceuticals said Monday the FDA approved its drug Spritam for adults and children who suffer from certain types of seizures caused by epilepsy. The tablet is manufactured through a layered process via 3-D printing and dissolves when taken with liquid. The Ohio-based company says its printing system can package drug doses of up to 1,000 milligrams into individual tablets. It expects to launch Spritam in the first quarter of 2016.
An FDA spokeswoman confirmed the drug is the first prescription tablet approved that uses the 3-D printing process. Aprecia plans to develop other medications using its 3-D platform in coming years.
