Portal Access, Inc. announced the successful closing of a $7 million Series A financing round to support regulatory approval and limited market launch of its next-generation chemotherapy port device. The Miami-based medical device startup secured funding that was fully subscribed, with over 80% led by U.S. physician investors including oncologists, interventional radiologists, cardiologists, and vascular surgeons, alongside a U.S.-based venture capital fund partnership.
The financing will support regulatory activities for the planned 510(k) submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Flexi-Port™ SLF-TANL™, a novel subcutaneous port designed to simplify vascular access for oncology patients. The company expects to submit the 510(k) application in July 2025, with U.S. market launch anticipated in early 2026.
Addressing Critical Gap in Cancer Care
Despite being the standard of care, nearly half of cancer patients do not receive a chemo-port due to various reasons including treatment delays. The Flexi-Port™ SLF-TANL™ device aims to address this significant gap by simplifying access and potentially enabling placement in additional care settings, which may help reduce treatment delays, procedural risks, and overall healthcare costs.
"Closing this funding round represents an important milestone as we work toward regulatory approval," said Dr. Michael Tal, Founder and CEO of Portal Access Inc. "Flexi-Port™ SLF-TANL™ is engineered with a focus on simplicity, stability, and scalability — likely to support more efficient workflows in oncology access settings. It's a solution for both clinicians and patients and created with the most optimal patient outcome and experience in mind."
Revolutionary Self-Tunneling Technology
The device features innovative self-tunneling technology that offers a less invasive option for port placement that can be performed safely at the bedside or in an outpatient setting. Matthew Ostroff, RN, MSN, AGACNP, VABC, a pioneer in bedside vascular access, has used the device in clinical settings and reported consistently exceeding expectations.
"Its innovative self-tunneling technology is a revolutionary advancement offering a less invasive option that can be placed safely at the bedside or in an outpatient setting," Ostroff said. "From a clinical perspective, this technology has the potential to transform the standard of care in port placement – offering patients a more dignified, convenient, and compassionate experience at a time when it matters most."
Unprecedented Physician Investment
The financing round demonstrated remarkable physician enthusiasm, with $6 million of the funding coming directly from individual physician investors. Angela Dotson, Executive VP of Business Development at Portal Access, characterized this level of physician-driven investment as "both remarkable and virtually unprecedented."
"In my career, I have never witnessed this level of enthusiasm from physicians for a medical technology," Dotson said. "From a market development perspective, the response has been equally compelling. We are seeing significant interest from clinics and hospitals across the country, many of which are already preparing to integrate the Flexi-Port™ SLF-TANL™ into their practice as soon as it becomes available. They've been waiting more than 30 years for an innovation like this."
The device is intended to enhance usability, reduce complexity, broaden accessibility and decrease costs while improving patient experience and operational efficiency across cancer care delivery. Portal Access is committed to designing solutions that aim to reduce complications currently associated with chemo port placement while offering a safe and minimally invasive option for bedside or outpatient settings.
