Organovo Holdings, Inc. (ONVO)

[IxRACEx4xPHO]

There are big differences between ONVO's printed liver assay and the inSphero 3D livers.

First, they only last 14 days, that's about 1/3 of the lifespan of ONVO's product.

Second (and probably most important), those 3D cultures contain only hepatocytes co-cultured with another cell type. Basically they are growing a ball of cells and have no control over it. Each well will contain a different ball. Whereas ONVO prints the same liver STRUCTURE (different than a random ball) in every well along with other cell types found in the liver. Context is very important when you're talking about cellular structure. Take a look at everyone of your vital organs. They are highly organized, not just a random ball of tissue.

This is a desperate attempt to negate the achievement of this company. 3D cultures have been around for a while, that is true, but all it means is that cells are grown in 3-dimensional space as opposed to flat on a plate. Just because something is 3D doesn't mean it is the correct structure.

One good thing that may come out of this article is a drop in pps. I hope he's right about it going back to $6-$7. Would be great opportunity to load up.