Integrating Bioprinted Organs into Our Healthcare System

Abstract

Bringing bioprinted organs into society thoughtfully has the potential to improve the quality of life and save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. We need to develop a plan and begin preparations for a new transplant system while maintaining the current one until bioprinting becomes viable, safe, and available. The current framework for organ transplantation in the United States and presence of transitional technologies will help inform policy surrounding bioprinted organs. But implementation will require discussion about altering the National Transplant Act, FDA classification, medical precedents, insurance coverage mandates, patents, and the process of phasing in bioprinted organs while phasing out the transplant waitlist. Proactive alterations to our current organ transplant system will allow for the rapid integration of a new biotechnology into society. This paper covers an overview of the bioprinting process, current companies and research, the legal landscape, and clinical translation. Finally, it provides a vision of how bioprinting could serve in tandem with our current transplant system.