3D Systems has announced a bioprinting agreement with United Therapeutics which will see the two companies develop solid-organ scaffolds for human transplants with 3D printing.

Combining their respective expertise in 3D printing and regenerative medicine and organ manufacturing, the collaboration will remain for a number of years.

The agreement will pit 3D Systems personnel alongside professionals from a United Therapeutics subsidiary, Lung Biotechnology PBC. Since the collaboration will primarily focus on the development of 3D printing systems for solid-organ lung scaffolds, Lung Biotechnology PBC is seen as best placed to work with 3D Systems.

The printing system will target collagen, and other building block proteins, as scaffold raw materials. Lung Biotechnology PBC will cellularize the scaffolds with patient-specific biological material, including re-differentiated stem cells.

3D Systems is a company with a wealth of experience in the medical sector. Its precision healthcare capabilities include simulation, virtual surgical planning, and the printing of medical and dental devices. The collaboration and joint development will add another technology alternative to United Therapeutics’ pursuit of an unlimited supply of organs for human transplantation.