The resulting models are composed of living human liver tissue, and incorporate hepatocytes, stellate, and endothelial cells – just like a real, full-sized liver. They also produce liver proteins such as albumin, fibrinogen and transferrin, plus they synthesize cholesterol.

Additionally, the cells are arranged in a 3D orientation relative to one another, as they would be naturally. By contrast, the liver cell cultures currently used to test pharmaceuticals are two-dimensional, and thus may not always function in the same manner as the actual organ.

​The exVive3D tissue remains functional for at least 42 days. According to Organovo, this "enables assessment of drug effects over study durations that well beyond those offered by industry-standard 2D liver cell culture systems." Already, the models have demonstrated the abilities to differentiate between structurally-related toxic and non-toxic compounds, and to detect metabolites (molecules that are products of the body's metabolism).

Eoin Treacy's view

While at university I remember studying the work of Baruch Spinoza. Along the way I heard he died in his early 40s probably as a result of inhaling the fine glass dust that was a by-product of his lens grinding trade. I was reminded of this recently when I finally gave into necessity and purchased reading glasses. It is a wonder how such a simple product enhances one’s working life but particularly for those engaged in precision industries where they need to be able to see what they are doing. In addition to creating telescopes, microscopes and range finders, increased supply of lens allowed the cost of eyeglasses to fall. This extended the working life of the skilled class by decades and as a result their productivity increased considerably.  Bio-printing of fully function organs is still in its infancy but the potential productivity gains achieved by extending the working lives of highly experienced, educated people is truly exciting. 

Organovo has a market cap of approximately $500 million and IPOed in 2012. It accelerated to a peak near $13 a year ago before pulling back sharply and has at least stabilised near $5 since April. It rallied to retest the 200-day MA over the last few weeks and a sustained move above $7 would begin to suggest a return to demand dominance beyond the short-term. Considering just how innovative the company’s methods are, the potential for growth it represents and the fact that a great deal of the company’s shares are already in the public arena it could potentially become the subject of takeover interest. 

Here is a link to the company’s science and technology page where it gives some additional detail on its work. They mention Autodesk as one of their partners. The share broke up out of an almost 10-year range in 2013 and has held a progression of higher major reaction lows since. A sustained move below $50 will be required to question medium-term potential for additional upside.  

The Biotech HOLDRS ETF remains in a reasonably consistent uptrend and while some consolidation of the recent rebound is looking increasingly likely, a sustained move below the 200-day MA would be required to question medium-term upside potential.