A ground-breaking medical device designed to improve the safety and comfort during prostate biopsies is now available to more healthcare providers across the UK, thanks to a new distribution agreement.
CamPROBE (Cambridge Prostate Biopsy Device) – a technology developed for performing transperineal prostate biopsies under local anaesthetic – will now reach more hospitals and clinics through a partnership between group companies Medovate and J.E.B. Technologies, and a newly appointed UK distributor Aquilant.
The device aims to offer a less invasive, lower-risk alternative to traditional transrectal biopsy methods, providing access to all areas of the prostate whilst reducing the risk of complications such as infections. Unlike conventional methods, CamPROBE requires only two puncture points and allows simultaneous anaesthetic delivery, which is intended to help provide a more comfortable experience for patients.
Developed by Professor Vincent Gnanapragasam and his team at the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, CamPROBE is already regulatory approved and in clinical use. It’s simple, cost-effective design and ergonomic functionality represent a step-change in prostate biopsies, with the potential to set a new standard of care.
“CamPROBE has the potential to offer a safer, well tolerated method for conducting prostate biopsies,” said Stuart Thomson, Vice President of Business Development at Medovate and J.E.B. Technologies. “This distribution agreement opens the door for wider adoption across the UK, giving more men access to the alternative prostate biopsy approaches they deserve.”
The project was supported by Cambridge Enterprise, the University’s innovation arm, and Health Tech Enterprise, which provided commercialisation and IP expertise. A grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) supported the clinical development and evaluation of the device.
As prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers in men, early detection through accurate and accessible sampling and diagnostics is critical. With growing global demand for improved screening, CamPROBE® is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of patients, clinicians, and healthcare systems alike.
Key benefits include:
- Transperineal access that reduces infection risk vs transrectal methods
- Simultaneous local anaesthetic delivery through an integrated needle
- Can be angled and repositioned to reach potentially difficult areas of the prostate
- Less invasive approach, with just two puncture points and low patient pain scores
- Specifically designed to make access easy and intended to reduce the risk of needle stick injuries
Steve Matthews, UK Sales Director, Aquilant Limited added: “We are delighted to affiliate with Medovate and JEB to bring this important innovation to healthcare professionals across the United Kingdom. With prostate cancer remaining a significant health concern, improving access to safer, more effective devices and equipment that can be used in the prostate biopsy and cancer diagnostic pathway is vital. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing men’s health innovation.”
