First FDA-approved 3-D manufactured drug hits the market

The first FDA-approved drug produced using 3-D printing is now on the market. Aprecia Pharmaceuticals said this week that it has launched its epilepsy drug, Spritam, that is manufactured through three-dimensional printing technology. Spritam is a formulation of levetiracetam that uses the process so the pills rapidly disintegrate with a sip of liquid, making them easier to swallow. Aprecia has two facilities for manufacturing, one in Blue Ash, OH, where the company is headquartered, and one in East Windsor, NJ. A spokesperson said the company is currently investing $25 million in its 190,000-square-foot Blue Ash manufacturing facility. Release