FluidForm to develop new 3D bioprinting solutions for J&J
Collaboration with Ethicon to expand and utilize FRESH 3D bioprinting technology across a variety of applications
FluidForm, an expert in the field of human tissue for research, repair, and replacement signed an agreement with Ethicon, a member of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, to develop 3D bioprinted applications using FluidForm’s patented FRESH technology. This collaboration leverages FluidForm’s FRESH 3D bioprinting platform to achieve specific tissue characteristics that cannot be manufactured with conventional techniques.
The ability to recreate functional human tissue for research, training and potential replacement has the potential to transform human health. FRESH printing is a technology that has been proven to recreate biology, from structure to function. FluidForm seeks to deliver on the promise of tissue therapies, in order to radically transform human health and longevity.
According to FluidForm there are about 130,000 people on the nation’s organ transplant waiting list, but the need for organs is actually about 10 times that size. Graffeo said he wants FluidForm’s technology to get to a point where it’s readily available in hospitals.
“Compare it to a company like SpaceX that wants to get to Mars. But in order to get to Mars, they had to start by putting satellites into orbit, and then by taking astronauts to the space station. They first reached the moon, and then they finally got to Mars. Those building blocks had to be there,” Graffeo said to Boston area online publication BostonInno.
The company is still working on its sales and distribution model, depending on when the company is able to develop full-term tissue and organs and how it will get its products into hospitals.
“Some of those products that we develop would be best sold by us, some of those products we develop might be best sold by a partner,” Graffeo said.
