12-26-2013: Computerworld reported that Organovo expects to unveil the world’s first 3D-printed human liver in 2014
"The first 3D printed organ — a liver — is expected in 2014” was written by Lucas Mearian
On December 26, 2013, Computerworld published an article about the biotechnology company Organovo, titled “The first 3D printed organ — a liver — is expected in 2014.” Written by Lucas Mearian, the article stated, “Organovo now expects to unveil the world’s first printed organ — a human liver — next year.” The 3D-printed liver was intended to be a laboratory model for medical research and drug testing.
In 2013, Organovo was at the forefront of the bioprinting revolution, generating high hopes and capturing media and investor attention. The announcement of a functional liver to be printed in 2014 garnered widespread interest. The company showcased liver tissue models used in pharmaceutical research, enabling drug toxicity testing. In the Computerworld interview, Mike Renard, Organovo’s Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations, highlighted the company's breakthrough in printing tissue thicker than 500 micrometers while maintaining functionality for at least 40 days.
The announcement of a printed liver in 2014 was only partially realized. Organovo successfully developed three-dimensional liver tissue models for research purposes, but these were not fully functional livers ready for transplantation. Instead, they were used for pharmacological tests, improving drug toxicity predictions and reducing reliance on animal testing.
Criticism soon emerged, highlighting discrepancies between the company’s media announcements and its actual technological capabilities. The printed “liver” was a laboratory model rather than a transplantable organ, leading many investors to feel disappointed.
In subsequent years, Organovo focused on partnerships with pharmaceutical companies. Its liver and kidney tissue models became essential tools for studying drug toxicity and metabolism. The company signed agreements with major pharmaceutical players, enabling further technological advancement.
However, the company struggled to meet the ambitious expectations it had set. Investor patience waned, and Organovo's stock value declined as technological milestones were repeatedly missed.
In 2018, the company reported significant financial losses and announced a restructuring plan. Organovo’s stock on NASDAQ plummeted to historic lows. In 2020, the company became involved in a patent dispute with CELLINK, a Swedish bioprinting company, over tissue-printing technology that both claimed as their own. The dispute was eventually resolved through licensing agreements, allowing both companies to use the contested technologies.
In 2021, Organovo announced a shift in strategy, focusing on niche bioprinting applications, such as skin regeneration research and printing small tissue fragments. Despite these efforts, the company failed to regain its former position or investor trust.
Source: www.openhealthnews.com