Organovo Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:ONVO) a three-dimensional biology firm focused on delivering medical and scientific breakthroughs utilizing its 3D bioprinting technology, is showcasing the first report showing sustained and survival functionality of its ‘3D bioprinted’ human liver tissue after it was implanted into animal models. The firm showcased the data at the TERMIS-Americas meeting.
The management speaks
Eric Michael David, M.D., J.D., the Chief Strategy Officer of Organovo, said that with a critical scarcity of donor organs and few options to transplantation, the company is utilizing its 3D bioprinting technology to advance unique therapeutic tissues for uninterrupted surgical implantation.
The preclinical report indicated rapid tissue engraftment and vascularization, and durability and evidence of function of ‘3D bioprinted’ human liver tissue in coming weeks. Mainly, they saw evidence of stable production of major human liver proteins in the animal blood flow, and tissue staining for major human metabolic enzymes. These enzymes presence offers an important first step in showcasing the capability of this tissue to cure inborn errors of metabolism, a major indication they are targeting.
Organovo rooted ‘3D bioprinted’ human liver tissue patches into the livers of SCID/NOD mice. The tissue was made of select non-parenchymal cells and human hepatocytes. Function of these patches was noted through detection of alpha-1-anti-trypsin, fibrinogen and human albumin in the flowing blood of the mice in seven days and for minimum 28 days’ post-implantation.
Histopathologic assessment of the implanted therapeutic tissue showed retention of the bioprinted cellular firm through 28 days after implantation, with strong staining for major human metabolic enzymes linked with inborn problems of metabolism, such as Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency and Fumarylacetoacetate Hydrolase deficiency.
Taken together, this report boost further preclinical advancement of Organovo’s 3D bioprinted liver tissue for application. Focusing initially on acute-on-chronic liver failure as well as pediatric inborn problems of metabolism, these hints where a bioprinted liver patch may display therapeutic benefits, Organovo plans to submit an IND application to the U.S. FDA for its therapeutic liver tissue in coming years.
