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Researchers Discover Breakthrough Drug Delivery Method By Changing Shape of Pill

Posted by timothy on from the in-your-face dept.

ErnieKey writes: Researchers at the UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London have found a way to change the rate of dissolution within medication via a 3D printing method. Researchers used MakerBot's water- soluble filament, cut it into tiny pieces and mixed in acetaminophen. They then used the Filabot extruder to extrude a drug infused filament. With this filament they printed odd shaped pills and tested them to see what effect different shapes had on the speed at which they dissolved. What they concluded was that these odd shaped pills allowed for different rates of absorption, enabling custom medications for patients.

7 of 66 comments (clear)

  1. So which dissolves faster? by fustakrakich · · Score: 5, Funny

    Fred or Dino?

    --
    “He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
  2. Re:Surface area to volume by Livius · · Score: 4, Funny

    But it's with a 3-D printer! That makes it novel and non-obvious, right? The patent system couldn't be wrong...

  3. Alanis Morissette by pipingguy · · Score: 3, Funny

    Ironically, it is a Jagged Little Pill.

    1. Re: Alanis Morissette by Buck+Feta · · Score: 3, Funny

      I would also slow clap, but I've got one hand in my pocket.

      --
      I am Audience.
  4. Re:Surface area to volume by OzPeter · · Score: 4, Funny

    But it's with a 3-D printer! That makes it novel and non-obvious, right?

    Wait until I incorporate a drone in the 3D printing process .. that'll really shake up the drug delivery industry!

    --
    I am Slashdot. Are you Slashdot as well?
  5. Re:Surface area to volume by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    No need; systemd will incorporate this functionality within a year.

  6. Futurama by excelsior_gr · · Score: 4, Funny

    - I can't swallow that!
    - Well then good news! It's a suppository!