I thought that this story may interest members. It raises a number of interesting questions, including the medical information etc that will be provided with the drugs, especially if custom made.

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/aug/04/fda-first-prescription-drug-3d-printing

Two short extracts from the article:

“The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first prescription drug made through 3D printing: a dissolvable tablet that treats seizures.”

“Doctors are increasingly turning to 3D printing to create customized implants for patients with rare conditions and injuries, including children who cannot be treated with adult-size devices. The FDA held a workshop last year for medical manufacturers interested in the technology.”

“The first 3D-printed pill opens up a world of downloadable medicine” – from the Guardian newspaper

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/architecture-design-blog/2015/aug/05/the-first-3d-printed-pill-opens-up-a-world-of-downloadable-medicine

HIFA profile: Julie N Reza is a writer, editor and consultant specialising in global healthcare and related fields (www.globalbiomedia.com).