By: Matt Z
10/5/23
This is Part 3 of a 3-Part Series
In the ever-evolving landscape of bioprinting, experts like Dr. Atala and Lewis are treading cautiously regarding a timeline for fully functional bioprinted organs to become a reality in the healthcare system.
Lewis, a prominent figure in the field, acknowledges the rapid progress made within the sector but remains conservative in her projections. She suggests that we look at a timeline extending beyond a decade, even with the remarkable advancements witnessed thus far.
Photo Credit: 3D Bioprinting by Geeetech
Atala, renowned for his contributions to the field, echoes this statement, emphasizing the difficulty of making precise predictions. Numerous variables, including manufacturing considerations and regulatory processes enforced by the US Food and Drug Administration, contribute to the complexity. Their main concern is ensuring the utmost safety of these groundbreaking technologies for patients when brought to a hospital setting.
One critical side that both experts underline is the importance of affordability. The cost implications of organ failure are staggering, with the expenses associated with treatments like dialysis alone reaching over a quarter of a million dollars annually for a single patient. Based on information from the National Library of Medicine. In 2020, the typical expense for a kidney transplant averaged $442,500. Among these costs, the highest expenditure, constituting 34% of the overall payment, pertains to the transplant admission, covering the surgical procedure.In contrast, despite increasing medication costs, only 7% of the total expenses are allocated to immunosuppressive drugs and other medications related to the transplant, such as prophylactic antibiotics, from transplant to 6 months post-operation. Atala firmly believes that once bioprinted organs become viable, they will be accessible to those in need. In their eyes, creating and implanting an organ is more cost-effective than sustaining a patient through prolonged treatments such as dialysis.
Thankfully, the average cost of a kidney transplant has decreased considerably to an average of $144,00.00. Based on information provided by thepricer.org. But this may vary depending on the hospital location if your insurance is willing to cover the procedure, and the patient's overall condition. This contrasts with the smaller costs for 3D printers, which can range from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000, depending on the detail and complexity of the final product. However, as Lewis points out, cost considerations extend beyond the printer. These include maintaining cell banks for patients, cell culturing processes, and ensuring the safe handling of biological materials to allow the cells to survive over time.
While bioprinting can potentially reduce certain costs associated with traditional organ transplantation, Lewis highlights that expenses such as organ harvesting, transportation, recipient surgery, and post-operative care will still play a significant role in the overall cost structure.
As the march toward accessible bioprinted organs continues, experts remain focused on addressing these challenges and harnessing the immense potential of this technology to transform healthcare, offering hope to patients in need of life-saving treatments soon, changing the face of healthcare for the better.
Keywords: Bioprinted organs, Challenges, Promises, Patients, Cost, affordability.
Do You Believe Bioprinting is the Future of Medicine?
Yes, I believe in the potential 3D printing has in the field
No, I still feel skeptical about its implications.
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