FDA Approves First 3D-Printed Drug Tablet

An anonymous reader writes: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has for the first time approved a 3D-printed pill for human consumption. The printing technique allows higher and more precise dosages to be layered into a smaller tablet size. This is an early step toward a new method of drug distribution. Right now, pills are made in a factory and shipped to hospitals. With 3D printers, hospitals could simply store a bulk supply of the drug in a pure form, and then print out tablets — containing whatever dosage they desire — as they need them. If patients needs to increase or decrease their dosage, the hospital can do so without changing the appearance of the pills, which could help those with memory impairments.

Comments

Not going to move the needle.

[Anonymous Coward]

The technology to create bespoke pills exists already, major barriers to hospitals incorporating compounding pharmacies today include cost, regulations, and liability, none of which are addressed by this technology.