First 3D-printed prescription pill

Amelia Havanec

Amelia Havanec Jul 1, 2025

Jan 12, 2018

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                <h1>First 3D-printed prescription pill</h1>
                <h2><p>For the first time, U.S. officials are signing off on a 3D-printed drug as safe for consumption, CNN Money reports. The pill is made to be taken orally to treat epileptic seizures. 3D-printing methods work by building layers of the product, in this case a digestible pill, made with</p></h2>
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               <p>By <a href="/author/amelia-havanec-crosscut-com/">Amelia Havanec</a></p> 
              <p><time datetime="2025-02-04T05:00:00-08:00">Jan 12, 2018</time></p>
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            <p>For the first time, U.S. officials are signing off on a 3D-printed drug as safe for consumption, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2015/08/04/technology/fda-3d-printed-drug-epilepsy/index.html?ref=dev.cascadepbs.org">CNN Money reports</a>. The pill is made to be taken orally to treat epileptic seizures. 3D-printing methods work by building layers of the product, in this case a digestible pill, made with "<a href="http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20150804/fda-approves-first-pill-made-by-3d-printing?ref=dev.cascadepbs.org">ZipDose</a>," a proprietary 3D printing technology, which produces a formula so that the pill can dissolve quickly in the mouth. 3D printing the drug will allow hospitals using the 3D system to customize the prescription to what the patient needs and deliver it at a lower cost. The drug can deliver up to 1,000 milligrams of medication, known as Spritam (levetiracetam). It will be available next year for adults and children with a prescription.</p>
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For the first time, U.S. officials are signing off on a 3D-printed drug as safe for consumption, CNN Money reports. The pill is made to be taken orally to treat epileptic seizures. 3D-printing methods work by building layers of the product, in this case a digestible pill, made with "ZipDose," a proprietary 3D printing technology, which produces a formula so that the pill can dissolve quickly in the mouth. 3D printing the drug will allow hospitals using the 3D system to customize the prescription to what the patient needs and deliver it at a lower cost. The drug can deliver up to 1,000 milligrams of medication, known as Spritam (levetiracetam). It will be available next year for adults and children with a prescription.

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By Amelia Havanec

Amelia Havanec is Crosscut's Science and Tech Fellow. She came to Washington from her home state of Connecticut by way of New York, Florida, California and Michigan in pursuit of the perfect pint. Sh