Organovo Subsidiary Samsara to Supply Human Liver Cells for 3D Bioprinting

Organovo subsidiary Samsara Sciences Inc. has launched commercial operations to provide high-quality primary human liver cells for a wide variety of in vivo and in vitro research applications.

Following the launch of their exVive3D bioprinted liver tissue in November 2014, US-based company Organovo will now be supplied with liver cells by Samsara, “allowing the company to optimise its supply chain and operating expenses related to cell sourcing and procurement.” Additionally, Samsara will provide these cells to life science customers through commercial channels and offers a selection of human hepatic stellate cells. These are key cell types in the liver, that play a major role in the development of prevalent diseases such as fatty liver disease and fibrosis.

In order to achieve its goals, Samsara works closely with key collaborator and liver cell biology expert, Dr. Tatiana Kisseleva and her laboratory at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

Dr. Sharon Presnell, President, Samsara Sciences and Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Research & Development at Organovo states: “The Samsara team shares a passion for cells and is dedicated to providing the high-quality, well-characterized cellular reagents that are required to support the future of biological research and tissue products. Our ultimate vision is to supply a comprehensive portfolio of tissue-specific cells that are tailored for use in the production of the multi-cellular 3D tissues that are poised to change the landscape of drug discovery and regenerative medicine.”

“Cell supply and quality are critical to meeting Organovo’s goal to change the shape of medical research and practice, including our desire to create a bioprinted liver patch for transplant,” explained Keith Murphy, CEO of Organovo. “I’m grateful to the team at Samsara and its key collaborators and scientific advisors for enabling us to develop this high-quality cell source, and to offer it to other researchers through Samsara’s commercial efforts.”