ALK has entered into an collaboration agreement to supply its FDA approved skin test for the diagnosis of penicillin allergy, PRE-PEN (benzylpenicilloyl polylysine injection USP), to HealthTrust Purchasing Group.
Under the agreement, HealthTrust member facilities including 1,400 acute care facilities, 10,600 ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices and alternate care sites will have access to PRE-PEN.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over-use of broad spectrum antibiotics reduces antibiotic effectiveness and can increase the development of drug-resistant germs.
HealthTrust will use PRE-PEN to help reduce the unnecessary use of toxic, broad spectrum antibiotics, including penicillin, which are known to increase drug resistance in patients.
ALK president Jose Moreno Toscano said Penicillin treatments cost the patient, and healthcare provider, significantly less.
"We are looking forward to working with HealthTrust as it strengthens its commitment to an antimicrobial stewardship campaign," Toscano added.
