Texas A&M’s 3D-Printed Pediatric Medication Wins Fast Company Award
Texas A&M University has received recognition in Fast Company’s 2025 Innovation By Design Awards for its groundbreaking development of a 3D-printed pediatric medication aimed at treating toxoplasmosis. This honor positions Texas A&M among notable innovators that are redefining the future of healthcare. The award highlights exceptional design across various industries, and the university’s innovative approach addresses a critical gap in pediatric treatment.
Joining Texas A&M in the “honorable mentions” category are major companies such as eBay, Best Buy, Mattel, Cisco, and L’Oréal. The official recognition will take place during the 2025 Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City, where the university’s project will be featured.
Dr. Mansoor Khan, the principal developer of the 3D-printed medication and a Regents Professor of pharmaceutical sciences, will present at the festival on September 18, 2025. He will participate in a discussion titled, “Leaping to New Heights: The Unparalleled Progress in Healthcare,” alongside other leaders in the field. The festival aims to gather thousands of business leaders, creators, and change-makers for a comprehensive program of presentations, networking, and celebrations of innovation.
The innovative 3D-printed medication offers a dose-flexible, child-friendly alternative to existing adult tablets, which are often unsuitable for pediatric patients. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is the leading cause of foodborne deaths in the United States and poses severe risks to fetuses and newborns. The condition can lead to serious complications, including hydrocephalus, blindness, deafness, seizures, and intellectual disabilities, affecting an estimated 4,400 newborns annually in the U.S.
Prior to this breakthrough, pediatric patients had to rely on compounded adult medications, which not only come with a hefty price tag—averaging around $790 per tablet—but also lack the rigorous quality controls necessary for children’s use. Dr. Khan noted, “Such products may have questionable quality as they are not evaluated for content, stability, and bioavailability,” highlighting the need for safer alternatives.
The Texas A&M research team’s solution utilizes advanced 3D-printing technology to create customized tablets that adapt to the varying weight and dosage requirements of children. These tablets are being developed at the Reynolds Medical Sciences Building on the College Station campus, where they are undergoing thorough evaluation.
Looking ahead, the initiative’s long-term goal is to implement 3D-printing machines in hospitals, allowing for the on-site production of medications. This would provide a scalable and cost-effective solution for pediatric care, significantly improving access to necessary treatments.
The project has received substantial backing, including a $3.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Collaborations span across multiple disciplines within Texas A&M, including the College of Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and the College of Arts and Sciences, reflecting the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation.
Fast Company’s Innovation By Design Awards are among the most prestigious design accolades in the industry, recognizing nearly 300 honorees across diverse categories such as health, sustainability, and user experience. This award marks yet another achievement for Texas A&M, following its recognition as one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies, the only university featured on the list. Additionally, the university’s pioneering Alzheimer’s therapy was honored as a World-Changing Idea.
Through this recognition, Texas A&M University continues to demonstrate its leadership in healthcare innovation, with the 3D-printed pediatric medication set to transform treatment options for vulnerable populations.
