3-D printers might have health applications, but not if drug companies use them for research shortcuts

I’m sure you’ve heard about the new 3-D printing technology that can produce a gun.

That’s pretty alarming.

Almost just as alarming… A 3-D printed liver. And it’s not only doable, they’ve actually done it.

Apparently, the liver tissue is a near-perfect copy. Even so, we’re still a long way from supplying printed livers for transplants.

But that’s not the focus right now.

Researchers believe they can use the artificial liver tissue to test drugs. Then they wouldn’t have to wait until the human trial stage to find out if a drug is toxic.

That’s a clear benefit. But the cheerleaders of this technology offer another exciting selling point… It could significantly speed up the drug approval process.

Well, that might look good on paper, but I’m just going to assume that artificial liver tissue won’t be able to report side effects. You know — like suicidal thoughts, depression, stomach upset, migraines, etc.

I’m sure there will be life-saving ways to put 3-D printed tissue to work. But the LAST thing we need is more drugs approved faster.