ALK signs agreement to supply PRE-PEN to HealthTrust member facilities

ALK is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with HealthTrust Purchasing Group, LP to supply PRE-PEN® (benzylpenicilloyl polylysine injection USP) the only FDA approved skin test for the diagnosis of penicillin allergy, to HealthTrust member facilities, including 1,400 acute care facilities, 10,600 ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices and alternate care sites. HealthTrust will incorporate PRE-PEN® (benzylpenicilloyl polylysine injection USP) into its efforts to help reduce the unnecessary use of toxic, broad spectrum antibiotics, which are known to increase drug resistance in patients. The over-use of broad spectrum antibiotics reduces antibiotic effectiveness and can increase the development of drug-resistant germs according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most pressing public health threats.

Testing for the true presence of a penicillin allergy is critical in helping reduce the number of patients who self-report as being penicillin allergic but do not have a true penicillin allergy. Studies show that 9 out of 10 patients who thought they were allergic to penicillin are, in fact, not. (Salkind, JAMA, May 16, 2001 – Vol. 285, No. 19).  PRE-PEN® (benzylpenicilloyl polylysine injection USP) a widely used skin test product for over 30 years, can help medical staff quickly identify patients who can safely receive penicillin, opening up a wider range of options and potentially saving lives in the process.

The reduction of unnecessary broad spectrum antibiotic usage can also save significant healthcare dollars, both for hospitals and patients. "Penicillin treatments cost the patient, and healthcare provider, significantly less," said Jose A. Moreno Toscano, President of ALK. "We are looking forward to working with HealthTrust as it strengthens its commitment to an antimicrobial stewardship campaign."

SOURCE ALK