Portal Pump

2026: Product Announcement

In mid-February 2026, the American company Portal Diabetes announced the development of a fully automated Portal Pump insulin pump. The implantable device is intended to deliver insulin directly to the abdominal region rather than for subcutaneous administration.

The developers call Portal Pump the first artificial pancreas. The device is implanted on an outpatient basis, after which it can remain in the body for 5-7 years until replacement. The device functions in tandem with a continuous blood glucose monitoring system. When the parameters approach critical values, insulin is supplied. Thus, fully automated therapy is provided. The supply of insulin in the pump, depending on the condition of a particular person, must be replenished every few weeks or even months.

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Фото: Portal Diabetes

Compared to traditional pumps, the novelty offers a number of significant advantages. The solution eliminates the need for patients to constantly monitor glucose levels and subcutaneous injections. Portal Pump is said to provide a stay in the target range of blood sugar levels for 90% of the time. In addition, during intraperitoneal administration, rapid absorption of the drug is achieved - as in the case of a healthy pancreas, insulin is delivered directly to the liver. Unlike external pumps, regular pump maintenance is not required.

It is also noted that Portal Pump involves the use of thermostable insulin, capable of maintaining activity at elevated temperatures (over 30 degrees Celsius). This is due to the fact that the supply of the drug is stored in a tank inside the pump in the patient's body. It is assumed that the release of the device will help significantly improve the quality of life of people with diabetes.^[1]

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