© 2025 WOSU Public Media
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Blue Ash Pharma Company Launches 3D Printed Pill

Aprecia is doing test runs for its SPRITAM 3D printed pill in Blue Ash and will manufacture the medicine locally at the end of this year or beginning of next.
Ann Thompson
/
WVXU
Aprecia is doing test runs for its SPRITAM 3D printed pill in Blue Ash and will manufacture the medicine locally at the end of this year or beginning of next.

Sales representatives from Aprecia Pharmaceuticals are making a strong pitch with doctors as the Blue Ash-based company launched production last week of its 3D printed pill, the first such pill approved by the FDA.

Until later this year the pills are being printed in New Jersey.  The Blue Ash facility has to get federal approval, and is doing test runs.

SPRITAM is an epilepsy drug that is designed to carry a greater dosage and disintegrate quickly in the patient's mouth or in a cup. The company says this is especially beneficial for patients who have trouble swallowing like children or the elderly.

Aprecia says printing the drug with a 3D printing machine, layer by layer, enables the drug to dissolve quicker than other drugs.

Here's how it is manufactured:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HMENLPkftQ&feature=youtu.be

Aprecia has three other 3D printed medicines in the pipeline, all for the central nervous system. It isn't ruling out partnerships with other companies for new compounds, including over-the-counter drugs and veterinary medicines.

Copyright 2021 91.7 WVXU. To see more, visit 91.7 WVXU.

With more than 30 years of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market, Ann Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting. She has reported for WKRC, WCKY, WHIO-TV, Metro Networks and CBS/ABC Radio. Her work has been recognized by the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2019 and 2011 A-P named her “Best Reporter” for large market radio in Ohio. She has won awards from the Association of Women in Communications and the Alliance for Women in Media. Ann reports regularly on science and technology in Focus on Technology.