US approves anti-epilepsy pill manufactured with 3D printer

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the sale of an anti-epilepsy pill manufactured with a three-dimensional (3D) printer.

Aprecia Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA had approved its Spritam medication for the treatment of epilepsy.

The company said that with its ZipDose 3D printing technology, it is possible to create a detailed, porous structure which allows the pill to dissolve faster while delivering up to 1,000 mg of medication in a single dose.

Aprecia's Spritam, the first manufactured with 3D printing technology to win FDA approval, will reach the market early in 2016.

Three-dimensional printing technology has lowered costs substantially over the past few years, enabling designers and experts in a range of fields to create complex pieces and tools in record time.

The FDA has approved the commercial distribution of several medical and prosthetic devices created by 3D printers.

Aprecia said the ZipDose technology will improve the administration of medications to children and the elderly.