CHARLOTTE, N.C. – RealTouch, an award-winning, computer-assisted masturbator for men, will disappear from the market Jan. 1, patent holder and distributor AEBN announced Friday.

“Please be informed that we will no longer be able to sell RealTouch devices as of Jan. 1, 2014,” a statement posted to RealTouch.com advises. “RealTouch Interactive and VOD will continue to serve existing customers.”

In a statement distributed to customers, content partners and affiliates, AEBN explained the company has been unable to secure affordable technology licensing and manufacturing contracts.

“Due to increasing licensing and manufacturing costs, we will not be able to sell RealTouch devices effective Jan. 1, 2014,” the statement noted. “The RealTouch product uses a very small amount of technology licensed from a technology partner, and without this license in place we are unable to sell the RealTouch device. Costs of manufacturing have also escalated significantly in the last year. After nearly a year of discussion and negotiation, we have been unable to reach agreements that would allow us to continue the project at this time.”

The statement also said sales of the device would continue through the end of 2013, or until stock on hand is exhausted.

“There is a limited quantity of complete RealTouch devices remaining, and we anticipate selling out prior to the end of the year,” the notice stated. “We also have a limited number of replacement devices (device only, no mini-tower) which can be used with your existing mini-tower available for purchase until Jan. 1, 2014, or as long as supplies last.”

The product may return to production later, according to the company.

“We remain committed to RealTouch and hope that agreements can eventually be reached to enable us to continue to provide this one-of-a-kind experience to the public,” the notice stated. “While we will be unable to sell new devices next year, RealTouch Interactive and RealTouch VOD will continue to operate and provide touch-enabled content to our existing users.”

The statement did not address how the cessation of new-device sales may affect the device’s affiliate program or studio contracts for RealTouch-enabled content, and AEBN representatives did not respond to email requesting comment.