Organovo is a biotechnology company focused on the development of three-dimensional human tissue models for medical research and therapeutic applications. Here are key aspects of Organovo:
History
- Organovo was founded in 2007 by Keith Murphy and Gabor Forgacs, with the aim to revolutionize medical research by providing more accurate human tissue models for drug testing and disease modeling.
- The company started operations in San Diego, California, and has since been working on bioprinting technologies to create functional human tissues.
Technology
- Organovo uses a proprietary 3D bioprinting technology named NovoGen MMX Bioprinter, which can print living human cells into complex three-dimensional structures. This technology allows for the creation of tissues that mimic the physiological properties of human organs.
- Their primary focus has been on creating liver, kidney, and other organ tissues for drug discovery, toxicology, and disease modeling.
Products and Services
- Organovo offers a product called ExVive3D, which is a platform for drug discovery using 3D printed human liver tissues. This platform is used by pharmaceutical companies to test drug candidates more effectively than traditional 2D cell cultures.
- They have also explored the development of therapeutic tissues, aiming to create transplantable organs or tissues for regenerative medicine applications.
Research and Development
- The company has engaged in numerous collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and research organizations to further the application of their 3D bioprinted tissues.
- Organovo has received several patents related to its bioprinting technology and tissue engineering processes.
Challenges and Future Directions
- One of the major challenges for Organovo has been the transition from research tools to commercial products, especially in the highly regulated field of biomedicine.
- They are also working towards creating more complex, vascularized tissues to improve the functionality and longevity of their bioprinted organs.
- Looking forward, Organovo aims to expand its therapeutic applications, potentially leading to personalized medicine where organs or tissues could be printed for individual patients.
Notable Achievements
- In 2014, Organovo successfully bioprinted liver tissue capable of performing functions similar to a human liver, marking a significant milestone in the field of tissue engineering.
- They have been recognized by various industry awards for innovation in biotechnology and have published research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
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