The Business of Biofabrication

At the 2025 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society (ENDO) in San Francisco, Aspect Biosystems unveiled compelling preclinical data demonstrating the therapeutic potential of its adrenal Bioprinted Tissue Therapeutics (BTTs) a novel cell therapy approach aimed at restoring hormone function in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI).

The data, presented through both oral and poster formats, underscored how Aspect’s bioprinted adrenal tissues not only produce human cortisol in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation but also mimic the natural circadian hormone rhythms a critical unmet need in today’s treatment paradigm.

Addressing a High-Stakes Clinical Need

Primary adrenal insufficiency, often referred to as Addison’s disease, is a rare but serious endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient hormones like cortisol. The current standard of care daily oral hormone replacement struggles to replicate natural cortisol cycles and is associated with poor quality of life and serious health risks, including life-threatening adrenal crises.

Aspect’s BTTs offer a radically different approach. Developed using the company’s proprietary full-stack therapeutic platform, the adrenal constructs integrate AI-powered bioprinting, custom biomaterials, and functional human adrenal cells. In preclinical animal models, these implants restored adrenal-like function for over six months, dynamically responding to stress-like conditions and improving survival rates in adrenalectomized mice.

Scientific and Platform Validation

“Our research shows that Aspect’s adrenal BTTs successfully replicate healthy human adrenal gland function,” said Dr. Sam Wadsworth, Chief Scientific Officer at Aspect. “This includes releasing cortisol in line with natural daily rhythms and rapidly ramping production in response to ACTH stimulation.”

Unlike static hormone replacement pills, the BTTs behave more like native glands secreting hormones on demand and interacting with the body’s own feedback loops. Mice receiving the bioprinted adrenal tissues responded to ACTH surges with spikes in cortisol, while those implanted with control (cell-free) constructs did not, reinforcing the functional viability of Aspect’s tissues.

Toward Functional Cures

For CEO Tamer Mohamed, this work is more than a scientific milestone it’s a proof-of-concept for a broader vision. “This latest advance showcases how bioprinted tissues can recreate natural hormone function and deliver disease-modifying solutions for patients with limited options,” he said. “It’s part of our larger mission to develop regenerative medicines that achieve functional cures for complex metabolic and endocrine disorders.”

Aspect’s broader pipeline of Bioprinted Tissue Therapeutics includes candidates for diabetes, obesity, liver disease, and other rare endocrine conditions, supported by strategic collaborations such as its ongoing partnership with Novo Nordisk.

About the Company

Aspect Biosystems, based in Vancouver, Canada, is a leader in therapeutic bioprinting. By integrating machine learning, computational design, and cellular engineering into a unified platform, the company is forging a new path in regenerative medicine with implantable, off-the-shelf solutions designed to restore or replace lost tissue function.

About ENDO

Hosted by the Endocrine Society, ENDO is the premier global forum for endocrinology research and clinical care. It attracts scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders committed to advancing understanding and treatment of hormone-related diseases.

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