First FDA-approved 3D printed drug available to treat epilepsy

The first 3D printed drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now available for the treatment of epilepsy

Aprecia Pharmaceuticals’ Spritam (levetiracetam) tablets, for oral suspension, are now available as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures and primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures.

Spritam disintegrates in the mouth with a sip of liquid and offers a new option for patients, including those who may struggle to take their medicine, according to Aprecia.

Don Wetherhold, CEO of Aprecia, said: "As we explored potential applications for our 3D printing technology in prescription drug products, it was important that we identified disease areas with a real need for patient-friendly forms of medication.

"Spritam is designed to transform what it is like to take epilepsy medication, and is the first in a line of products we are developing to provide patients and their caregivers with additional treatment options."

Spritam is formulated with Aprecia's proprietary ZipDose Technology, which combines the 3D printing and formulation science to produce rapidly disintegrating formulations of medications.

Manufactured in a regulated commercial-scale facility, Spritam is available in four unit-dose strengths, including 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg and 1,000 mg.