'Nespresso Machine' for Pills: A Breakthrough for Children's Medicine

Doser Medical, based in Leiden, has developed an innovative 3D printer that enables pharmacists to create bespoke medications for sick children. This not only minimizes side effects but also allows for customization in the taste, shape, and color of the pills. "Simply press 'play' and your tablets are ready!"

Edwin van der Aa - 02-11-23

Why should pharmacists opt for 3D-printed pills instead of ordering pre-made medications from a manufacturer? It boils down to patient uniqueness, especially in pediatric care where the precise dosage is crucial. Doser Medical understands this well, and research supports that personalizing treatments can enhance effectiveness by 10% and reduce side effects. Additionally, it’s not always easy to promptly acquire generic medications, which are Doser Medical’s main focus.

"The initial concept was Niels Ouwerkerk's brainchild, and together we lead the company," shares Arjan van Unen, CEO of Doser. "Niels initially tested the idea at a major pharmaceutical firm, aiming to develop more effective drugs. However, that proved challenging as the industry primarily focuses on cost per pill. We found common ground in our mutual desire to enhance healthcare. My background in 3D printing and Niels's request led to the creation of a prototype. The technology proved itself right away, leading to the establishment of Doser in collaboration with Leiden University."

Precisely Dosing for Precise Needs Van Unen acknowledges that explaining how their 3D printer surpasses manual customization in tablet production is a complex task.

Our strength lies in the precise dosing of ingredients, standardized and automated processes. This precision is particularly crucial for treating sick children, as a six-month-old boy might require a completely different formulation than a ten-year-old girl.

For pharmacists, producing pills with this 3D printer streamlines operations. No more manually cutting tablets or dealing with poorly-tasting, short-lived oral liquids. Just a single, easy-to-administer tablet customized to the child’s specific needs. Moreover, the pill’s appearance and taste can be tailored.

Van Unen playfully refers to their device as "a Nespresso machine for pills." "Insert a cartridge, select the type of pill you need, press 'play', and your tablets are ready!"

Focusing on Children’s Medication But why is Doser Medical’s technology solely dedicated to children’s medication? "Our initial focus is on pediatric care because there's significant room for quality improvement in their treatments," Van Unen explains. "Hospital pharmacists, who currently compound children’s medication manually, recognize this. Hence, there’s already a significant demand for our product, even before its market release."

The company plans to provide pharmacists with 3D printers through a service model. "We aim to make this technology readily accessible for (hospital) pharmacists," he continues. "They'll pay a fee based on their production volume." While he doesn't disclose exact figures, Van Unen assures that their solution is cost-competitive and more practical than manual compounding.

Doser Medical has secured funding from various sources, including the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and Rabobank, and has also benefited from European Union subsidies. Their investor portfolio includes Leiden University and the Foundation for Salaried Pharmacists. So far, they have raised “several million euros.”

Expanding and Innovating The startup is set to showcase its innovative technology at the CES tech fair in Las Vegas this January. "Our products are designed for everyday people in need of medication. We've developed a high-quality 3D printer for this purpose, the filling material has been proven effective, and we're now entering the commercial validation phase, which we expect to complete next year."

Van Unen is optimistic about the timing of their innovation, aligning with the advent of precision and personalized medicine. "Timing is crucial in innovation. We're providing healthcare professionals with the tools they need now to deliver exceptional patient care. By aiding pharmacists, we're indirectly supporting doctors and patients alike. That’s the vision driving us."

Doser Medical anticipates their device will be available to pharmacists in the upcoming year. Van Unen concludes, "This has the potential to be transformative. Personalized tablets could benefit a vast number of patients, and we’re at the forefront of this innovation. I'm confident in the impact we’re about to make."