Organovo

Organovo was a San Diego, California-based company focused on developing and commercializing 3D bioprinting technology to create functional human tissues for medical research and therapeutic applications. Founded in 2007, Organovo aimed to revolutionize drug discovery and regenerative medicine by providing more accurate and relevant models of human tissues compared to traditional cell cultures or animal models.

The company's core technology involved using a proprietary bioprinting platform to assemble living cells into three-dimensional structures that mimic the complexity and function of native tissues. These tissues could then be used for a variety of applications, including:

• Drug discovery and development: Pharmaceutical companies could use bioprinted tissues to test the efficacy and toxicity of new drug candidates in a more human-relevant environment, potentially reducing the need for animal testing and improving the success rate of clinical trials.
• Toxicology testing: Bioprinted tissues could be used to assess the potential harmful effects of chemicals and other substances on human organs.
• Regenerative medicine: Organovo explored the potential of using bioprinted tissues to repair or replace damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Their initial focus was on liver tissue, with the aim of developing bioprinted liver patches for patients with liver disease.

Organovo's most well-known product was the exVive3D® Liver Tissue, a bioprinted three-dimensional human liver tissue that could be used for drug metabolism and toxicology studies. They also worked on developing other tissue types, including kidney and pancreas.

Despite its innovative technology, Organovo faced significant challenges in scaling up its bioprinting process and achieving commercial viability. The company struggled to generate sufficient revenue to sustain its operations and, in 2019, announced a shift in strategy to focus on therapeutic applications. In 2023, Organovo ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy.