Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The ZEN of the penis

Not to downplay the importance of ED (because as we all know, it's all about the penis, baby), but seriously, in a world grappling with increased rates of diabetes, as well as heart disease, and all sorts of cancers, does the penis really merit being front and center when it comes to deciding where to stick R&D dollars?

Already we are bombarded with commercials for Viagra (though at least we don't have Bob Dole to kick around anymore) and Cialis (maybe if those couples shared a bathtub they wouldn't have a problem). Now there's a new medical device that promises to help guys get their mojo back. (To which Austin Powers would surely say "Yeah baby!")

Yes, thanks to medical equipment manufacturer Medtronic, there is now ZEN, or the Zotarolimus-Eluting Peripheral Stent System for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Males with Sub-Optimal Response to PDE5 Inhibitors. (How Medtronic got "ZEN" out of that, I'll be darned if I know. Though when you think about it, the name ZEN is probably appropriate as most men have spent countless hours in zen-like meditation contemplating their penis.)

Currently, Medtronic is in the process of erecting a feasibility study of ZEN, enrolling 50 guys who are eager to fly old glory again.

Needless to say, shares of Medtronic rose yesterday afternoon, based on the news.

5 comments:

GSA said...

That ZEN thing is too much! It seriously annoys me that the medical industry devotes enormous effort to helping men recover sexual potency. Meanwhile, nobody does anything to help the many women who (because of menopause, hysterectomies, aging) have seen their sexual desire/capacity decline and don’t want to remain in that state. Could it be that those largely male-run enterprises fear what would happen to the world if mature, savvy women recovered their sexual zing?

Anonymous said...

I think you nailed it when you mentioned "male-run enterprises." Ladies - if we want to affect real change in this area, we need to be in the Boardroom, rather than the bedroom.

Dave S. said...

GSA, to answer your concluding question, I would think that any diversion from devoting maximum effort to the restoration of male sexual potency would be a non-starter. Priorities, people, priorities!

The slacker on the couch next to me wishes to point out that Anonymous said "nailed." Heh heh.

jjv said...

As an aside, under federal law tort suits against manufacturers of "Devices" are preempted. Suits against drug manufacturers are not and so if the drug does something to you you can sue. I think the lesson is clear.

And GSA the pharmaceutical industry does not devote many resources to that because the male run De Beers company has it covered.

J. said...

@JJV: Personally I prefer De Lagers and De Pale Ales.