Organovo
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Biotechnology, Medical laboratory, Research |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | San Diego , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | 3D bioprinted human tissues, NovoGen MMX Bioprinter |
Organovo Holdings, Inc. is a pioneering medical laboratory and research enterprise focused on the design and fabrication of functional, three-dimensional human tissues through 3D bioprinting technology. Established in 2007 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Organovo employs its exclusive NovoGen MMX Bioprinter for various 3D bioprinting applications.
Operations
The company develops and commercializes bioprinted human tissues aimed at expediting preclinical drug testing and discovery processes, thereby lowering both timeframes and expenses while reducing risks associated with live subjects. Organovo anticipates future uses in surgical treatments and organ transplantation. It partners with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions to produce predictive in vitro tissue models for disease simulation and toxicology, effectively linking preclinical studies with clinical trial phases.
In 2015, Organovo established a collaboration with L'Oreal to supply 3D printed human skin utilized in cosmetic safety and efficacy evaluations.
In February 2025, Eli Lilly acquired Organovo’s FXR program for $10 million, representing a notable advancement in the company’s financial development.
3D bioprinting process
The human body contains multiple cell varieties, and different 3D bioprinting techniques offer varying degrees of cell stability and viability. Prominent approaches include photolithography, magnetic 3D bioprinting, stereolithography, and direct cell extrusion. These methods begin with obtaining a physical biopsy from an organ, isolating and expanding the cells, then combining them with a nutrient-rich liquid medium to maintain their viability outside the body. This cell-laden solution is placed into a printer cartridge and constructed according to patient-specific medical imaging data.
Financing
Organovo became publicly traded in 2012 through a reverse merger with the shell company Real Estate Restoration and Rental, Inc., followed by an uplisting to the NYSE MKT in July 2013. The firm achieved a market capitalization peak of $700 million during 2013. At the time of its IPO, Organovo had 22.4 million shares outstanding; this number expanded to over 130 million shares by 2020.