3D printed human organs? 3D Systems acquires Volumetric Biotechnologies for $400 million

October 29, 2021, United States3D printingMachine manufacturer
3D Systems
Acquired Volumetric Biotechnologies for 400 million US dollars (about 2.56 billion RMB). Volumetric Biotechnologies is a
biology
3D printingTechnology developers, they can create customized biological structures.

Through this round of acquisitions, 3D Systems plans to use the expertise of the Volumetric team to expand the application of the “print-to-perfusion” technology they have developed in cooperation with United Therapeutics.At present, they not only focus on the bioprinting of human lung scaffolds, but also plan to develop two other organs, as well as human
Blood vessel
Chemical organization.

Jordan Miller of Volumetric Biotechnologies said: “Our job is3D printingThe organ scaffold is then cellized to create fully compatible human organs, which is in full agreement with the ongoing work of 3D Systems and United Therapeutics. Through cooperation, we hope to extend the research work from the lungs to other human organs. “

Advances in printing to infusion technology

In the past 15 months, 3D Systems has undergone a drastic reorganization, by focusing on industry and
Medical treatment
In the vertical sector, profitability has resumed growth. During this time, 3D Systems abandoned subsidiaries that did not fit its core business, including Simbionix, Cimatron, Battery Ventures, and Quickparts 3D printingService Center.

Using the cash obtained from the divestiture, 3D Systems renewed
invest
For the healthcare and industrial markets. 3D Systems acquired Additive Works in May 2021, which is a simulation3D printingwork process
software
Developers.

In addition, it has also made a lot of investment in the field of bioprinting, acquired bioprinter developer Allevi, and recently announced that it has made huge progress in “print to infusion” technology.

In the past four years, 3D Systems and United Therapeutics have jointly developed the Print to Perfusion platform for3D printingThe scaffold, and then lay the patient’s cells on the scaffold to create a personalized human tissue. So far, these companies have focused on the production of functional human respiratory stents to provide much-needed transplants for patients with lung diseases.

Martine Rothblatt, CEO of United Therapeutics, added: “We are very pleased to be able to base our3D bioprintingExpand to other organs. This method eliminates the need for immunosuppression for patients and provides one of the most promising ways for organ transplantation. “

Volumetric’s $400 million acquisition

Volumetric was co-founded by Jordan Miller and Bagrat Grigoryan in Houston, USA in 2018. It only sells one Lumen X bioprinter.
CELLINK
Of cooperation to market.

Using bioprinting technology, Volumetric has begun to create viable organs, mainly focusing on the vascularized liver structure.

It is reported that the sale of Volumetric is not expected to proceed until the fourth quarter of 2021, and the transaction will pay a holding fee of $45 million. The other $355 million is said to depend on “significant progress made”, and half of the agreed total cost of $400 million will be paid in shares.

After the acquisition, Miller will become the regeneration of 3D Systems
medicine
chief scientist. Systems will work with 3D Systems and United Therapeutics to advance their lung biology3D printingWork and extend their technical application to the creation of two new organs, as well as the development of treatments for trauma and disease.

Miller concluded: “It has always been my dream to develop and manufacture fully biocompatible human organs and save the lives of millions of people around the world. I am honored to work with the 3D Systems team and look forward to creating an exciting one together. s future.”

(Editor in charge: admin)