Access Vascular

Access Vascular, Inc. (AVI) is a medical device company, founded in 2015 by James Biggins, that is focused on addressing the most common and costly complications associated with intravenous (IV) therapy, such as thrombosis, infection, and phlebitis. The company operates on a business-to-business (B2B) model within the healthcare sector, supplying its products to hospitals and clinics. The inspiration for the company came after Biggins, who has a background in plastics engineering and an MBA, witnessed firsthand the clinical challenges and delays in patient care caused by catheter-related complications. This experience, combined with his expertise in hydrogels and a strategic career path through R&D, marketing, and sales roles at companies like Boston Scientific and Medtronic, led to the establishment of Access Vascular.

The core of AVI's technology is its proprietary MIMIX™ biomaterial, a hydrophilic substance engineered to mimic the body's natural chemistry and evade the foreign body response that typically leads to clot formation on catheter surfaces. Unlike standard polyurethane catheters, which can trigger this response, AVI's devices are designed to be inherently biocompatible without the need for coatings or additives. This approach has demonstrated a significant reduction in thrombus accumulation—up to 97% less compared to conventional catheters in preclinical studies—and a corresponding decrease in related complications. By minimizing these issues, the company aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce the need for catheter replacements, and lower associated healthcare costs.

Access Vascular has successfully brought two main products to the U.S. market, both of which have received FDA clearance. The HydroPICC® is a peripherally inserted central catheter for short or long-term access, available in single and dual-lumen configurations, used for administering therapies and monitoring. The HydroMID® is a midline catheter intended for shorter-term use (up to 30 days) for similar applications. The company has secured significant financing to support its growth, including a $20 million Series B round in 2021 and a $22 million Series C round in 2023, to scale production, fund post-market clinical studies, and expand its product portfolio. Headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts, the company operates from a 40,000-square-foot facility that includes manufacturing and laboratory spaces.

Keywords: vascular access devices, intravenous catheters, medical biomaterials, thrombosis reduction, phlebitis prevention, catheter-related complications, hydrophilic catheters, MIMIX technology, HydroPICC, HydroMID, medtech, venous access, James Biggins, drug delivery systems, central venous catheter, midline catheter, biocompatible polymers, healthcare equipment, medical device manufacturing, FDA cleared medical device, infection control