We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




FDA Approves Rapid Dissolving Epilepsy Drug Produced by 3D Printing

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 11 Aug 2015
Print article
A novel rapidly solubilized drug for treatment of epilepsy has become the first medication manufactured by a three-dimensional (3D) printing technique to be approved by the [US] Food and Drug Administration (Bethesda, MD, USA).

The Aprecia Pharmaceuticals (Langhorne, PA, USA) Spritam formulation of the epilepsy drug levetiracetam was manufactured using a proprietary 3D printing method called ZipDose technology. This process stitches together multiple layers of powdered medication using an aqueous fluid to produce a porous, water-soluble matrix that rapidly disintegrates with a sip of liquid.

Spritam is prescribed for certain epilepsy cases, involving partial-onset seizures, myoclonic, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in both adults and children. In clinical trials, the most common adverse effects in people taking Spritam included sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and infection. In children, tiredness, aggressive behavior, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, and irritability have also been observed.

"By combining [three-dimensional printing] technology with a highly-prescribed epilepsy treatment, Spritam is designed to fill a need for patients who struggle with their current medication experience," said Don Wetherhold CEO of Aprecia. "This is the first in a line of central nervous system products Aprecia plans to introduce as part of our commitment to transform the way patients experience taking medication."

Related Links:

[US] Food and Drug Administration
Aprecia Pharmaceuticals 


New
Gold Member
ANA & ENA Screening Assays
ANA and ENA Assays
Antipsychotic TDM AssaysSaladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Toxoplasma Gondii Test
Toxo IgG ELISA Kit
New
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin ELISA
IDK alpha-1-Antitrypsin ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The smartphone technology measures blood hemoglobin levels from a digital photo of the inner eyelid (Photo courtesy of Purdue University)

First-Of-Its-Kind Smartphone Technology Noninvasively Measures Blood Hemoglobin Levels at POC

Blood hemoglobin tests are among the most frequently conducted blood tests, as hemoglobin levels can provide vital insights into various health conditions. However, traditional tests are often underutilized... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Under a microscope, DNA repair is visible as bright green spots (“foci”) in the blue-stained cell DNA. Orange highlights actively growing cancer cells (Photo courtesy of WEHI)

Simple Blood Test Could Detect Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women across the world are diagnosed with ovarian and breast cancer. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) therapy has been a major advancement in treating these cancers, particularly... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: HNL Dimer can be a novel and potentially useful clinical tool in antibiotic stewardship in sepsis (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Unique Blood Biomarker Shown to Effectively Monitor Sepsis Treatment

Sepsis remains a growing problem across the world, linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity. Timely and accurate diagnosis, along with effective supportive therapy, is essential in reducing sepsis-related... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.