Human liver model named finalist in technology contest

Organovo Holdings’ exVive3D Human Liver Model was named a finalist in the Diagnostics & Research Tools category for Connect’s 2014 Most Innovative New Product Awards, according to a company press release.

ExVive3D is a 3-D, functional liver tissue model comprised of “primary human hepatocytes, stellate and endothelial cell types” found in native human liver, according to the release. The models are created using 3-D bioprinting technology, and the tissue can remain fully functional for at least 40 days, the release said. Organovo designs 3-D human tissues for therapeutic applications and medical research, which it says have the potential to allow for faster, more economical drug discovery and treatments.

The model generates “bioprinted liver tissue prototypes that contain parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells in spatially controlled, user-defined geometries that reproduce compositional and architectural features of native tissue,” according to the company website.

Connect, a program that focuses on innovative technology and life sciences products in San Diego County, sponsors the awards.

“For 27 years, Connect has been hosting the Most Innovative Products awards, and each year the entrants just keep getting better,” Greg McKee, chief executive officer of Connect, said in the release. “Through the MIP awards, Connect proudly presents to the community the innovations and ground-breaking products being developed in San Diego.”

Contest winners will be announced in December.