London-based company FabRx have set up a Kickstarter to fund a novel new way of producing medicine for children. To do this, FabRx adapted a Magic Candy Factory 3D printer into prepare medicines in precise doses. The project may seem trivial at first glance, but it could go a long way towards convincing sick children to take their meds.

Originally meant to produce candy treats, the repurposed printer can print all sorts of fun shapes. It can also arrange the medicine into tablets, capsules, and chewable formulations. “We want to use 3D printing to change the face of medicines manufacture and provide better access to medicines, especially for children,” says FabRx’s development director Alvaro Goyanes.

The company is looking to raise $67,500 for the campaign starting on December 6th by selling the printers. They have also stated that the medical production printers cost roughly $10,500. The company is planning a product launch for early 2019, pricing the printer at 20,000 GBP ($26,320). Other rewards for pledges include 3D printed capsules and tablets without potency, naming rights, and invitations to major events.

So far their work with the printer has been approved by the FDA. This is not the company’s first foray into adapting machinery for medical purposes. A few months ago FabRx a Sintratec SLS 3D printer to fabricate personalised pills. They have made this sort of adaptation a specialty of the company. This is not surprising, considering that it was founded by researchers at University College London.

Different areas of medical research are using 3D printing at growing rates. From microfluidics labs to medical microchips there are all sorts of applications to ensure better healthcare. FabRx’s new printer is another great addition to a rapidly emerging field. However, FabRx may be the company to produce a commercially available printer for producing drugs.”