PrePex

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Single-use PrePex Device.

Single-use Sizing Plate.

The PrePex is a circumcision device which was marketed by Circ MedTech, Ltd., exploiting the WHO's endorsement of circumcision as an HIV prevention method. 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." 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.

Inventors

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.

Promotion of male circumcision for HIV prevention

PrePex was set to be introduced to Zimbabwe to aid their mass circumcision campaign.

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".

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.

Use in Africa

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. 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". The PrePex was not invented in the United States.

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. 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.

Weblinks

• PrePex™ website
• Circ MedTech
• PrePex patent
• AIDS Prevention inspires ways to make circumcision easier