Additive manufacturing method and apparatus for individualized polypill capsules using micro-dosed and compacted powders

Abstract

A method and apparatus enabling additive manufacturing of individualized oral therapeutic capsule forms containing multiple medicinal ingredients, also referred to as a personalized polypill process. A process and supporting apparatus to fulfil the formulated therapy prescribed by a physician to address the medical conditions of an individual patient, furthering the practice of personalized medicine. The methods and apparatus apply to the powder forms of active pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and specialized chemicals, such as diagnostic inks and dyes. The methods teach the deposition of computer-controlled amounts of high-potency powder forms of active ingredients deposited in sequential layers into a single delivery form. Each active ingredient layer is sequentially deposited to a programmable dosage accurately controlled with closed-loop gravimetric sensing, enabling sub-milligram mass deposition accuracy. Cumulative doses are compacted into segregated layers of programmable density with the optional addition of an inert barrier film between each chemical entity to minimize interactions.