22,208
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m
Add information about abandoned product.
[[File:Prepex-parts.jpg|thumb|Single-use PrePex Device.]] [[File:Prepex-sizing.jpg|thumb|Single-use Sizing Plate.]]
The '''PrePex''' is a circumcision device which is currently was marketed by Circ MedTech, Ltd., exploiting the [[WHO]]'s endorsement of circumcision as an HIV prevention method.<ref>{{REFweb | last=Scientific American | first= | yeardatde= | title=Rwanda Investigating Adult Male Circumcision sans Anesthesia | url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=rwanda-investigating-adult-male-circumcision-without-anesthesia | publisher=Nature America, Inc. | accessdate=2011-08-30
}}</ref> It works by effecting ischemic necrosis, forcing the foreskin tissue to die and fall off. This is marketed as an "advantage" over other circumcision devices and techniques, because it makes circumcision "bloodless, simple," and the manufacturing of easily-mass-produced parts allows for "scalable male circumcision programs in resource limited settings."<ref>{{REFweb
| last= | first= | yeardate= | title=Safety and efficacy validated. Device approved for use in Rwanda | url=http://www.prepex.com/Scientific.aspx | publisher=PrePex | accessdate=2011-08-30
}}</ref> In actuality, the concept of cutting off circulation to the foreskin in order to effect ischemic necrosis is found in other devices, such as the [[PlastiBell]], [[TaraKlamp]] and [[Sunathrone]] devices.
'''PrePex''' was invented by Israeli researchers Oren Fuerst, Ido Kilemnick, and Shaul Shohat. PrePex's CEO is [[Tzameret Fuerst]]. The '''PrePex''' patent application, "Circumcision Device and Method for Mass Circumcision," WIPO Patent Application WO/2011/007358, was submitted by Circ MedTech, Ltd, the company that currently markets the '''PrePex''' System.<ref>{{REFweb
| last= | first= | yeardate= | title=Circumcision device and method for mass circumcision | url=http://www.wipo.int/patentscope/search/en/WO2011007358 | publisher=WIPO | accessdate=2011-08-30
}}</ref>
== Promotion of Male Circumcision male circumcision for HIV Prevention prevention ==
PrePex was set to be introduced to Zimbabwe to aid their mass circumcision campaign.<ref>{{REFweb
| last= | first= | yeardate= | title= Controversial UN program brings circumcision device to Zimbabwe | url=http://www.zimeye.org/?p=51308 | publisher= | accessdate=2012-06-21
}}</ref>
PlusNews reported on a study of the PrePex device, saying "a study of 40 men in Rwanda found one adverse event at removal of the device and a healing time of 17 days".<ref>{{REFweb
| last= | first= | yeardate= | title=HIV/AIDS: Adult male circumcision – new developments | url=http://www.plusnews.org/Report/93311/HIV-AIDS-Adult-male-circumcision-new-developments | publisher= | accessdate=2012-06-20
}}</ref>
Circ MedTech promotes the '''PrePex''' System as a means to "to dramatically reduce the HIV infection rate." Built in to the patent application is a statement touting male circumcision as an HIV prevention method.<ref>{{REFweb
| last= | first= | yeardate= | title=Why Male Circumcision? | url=http://www.prepex.com/Why.aspx | publisher=PrePex | accessdate=2011-08-30
}}</ref>
The PrePex device will be tested in Africa starting 2013. The [[President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief]] will pay for PrePex circumcisions for about 2,500 men in Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. The [[Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation]] will pay for similar studies in Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. <ref>{{REFweb
| last= | first= | yeardate=2012-08-13 | title=Africa: Nonsurgical Circumcision Device Will Be Tested to Help Curb AIDS | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/14/health/nonsurgical-circumcision-device-will-be-tested-to-help-curb-aids.html?_r=0 | publisher=The New York Times | accessdate=2012-12-26
}}</ref> The [[Rakai Health Sciences Program]] is currently unveiling it and testing it in Uganda, presented by Godfrey Kigozi, program chief investigator, who stated that "it was invented in the United States of America. We have so far tested it on about 50 clients but we need 250 more to confirm its acceptability but so far it has worked properly with those who used it"<ref>{{REFweb
| last= | first= | yeardate=2012-12-26 | title=New safe male circumcision method unveile | url=http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/638450-new-safe-male-circumcision-method-unveiled.html | publisher=New Vision | accessdate=2012-12-26
}}</ref>. The PrePex was not invented in the United States<ref>{{REFweb
| last= | first= | yeardate= | title=Circumcision device and method for mass circumcision | url=http://www.wipo.int/patentscope/search/en/WO2011007358 | publisher=WIPO | accessdate=2011-08-30
}}</ref>.
== Project abandoned in 2019 ==
Kenya officially adopted the device [...] in 2016 to expand safe circumcision methods. However, the uptake has been sluggish. The manufacturer says it has abandoned the project and is now offloading it to interested buyers. <q>Circ Medtech, the PrePex manufacturer, was unable to remove unreasonable WHO-imposed restrictions which have materially disadvantaged the product as compared to other circumcision methods for several years now", company CEO Eddy Horowitz said.<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2019-07-04-bloodless-painless-circumcision-device-abandoned/
|title='Bloodless painless' circumcision device abandoned
|date=2019-07-04
|accessdate=2019-11-25
}}</ref>
{{LINKS}}