At the recent ENDO 2025 meeting in San Francisco, Aspect Biosystems unveiled remarkable preclinical results using Bioprinted Tissue Therapeutics (BTTs)—a new cell therapy approach with the potential to revolutionize treatment for primary adrenal insufficiency, including Addison’s disease.
What’s the Breakthrough?
- Hormone replacement that mimics nature
Researchers developed bioprinted adrenal tissues using human adrenal cells encapsulated within an immunoprotective shell, creating an “off-the-shelf” implantable therapy. - Function in animal models
Implanted into mice that had their adrenal glands removed, the BTTs rapidly restored cortisol production in response to ACTH stimulation. Unlike hormone pills, these implants followed the animals’ natural circadian rhythms and maintained hormone response for over six months. - Improved survival rates
Mice receiving the bioprinted adrenal implants survived longer than control groups, suggesting meaningful physiological benefit.
Why it matters for the addison’s community
Standard treatment today relies on synthetic hormone replacement, which lacks flexibility and can’t replicate natural cortisol patterns. These limitations often impact stress responses, daily well-being, and the risk of adrenal crises.
These bioprinted implants offer a potential functional cure—a therapy that behaves like your own adrenal gland system: responsive, rhythmic, and built into your physiology. In the words of Aspect’s Chief Scientific Officer, Sam Wadsworth, the goal is an implant “that works in harmony with the body’s physiology”.
What’s next?
While this is encouraging news, it’s important to remember: this is still early-stage research in animals. There’s a long path ahead before human clinical trials—but this marks a hopeful step toward more natural and sustainable treatment options.
As a community, we’ll continue following this journey with interest—and optimism.