ALK to become sole manufacturer and distributor of skin antigen test for penicillin allergy

– PRE-PEN (benzylpenicilloyl polylysine injection USP) is the only FDA-approved diagnostic skin test for the evaluation of penicillin allergy^i,ii –

The Danish, pharmaceutical company ALK (ALKB:DC / OMX: ALK B / AKBLF), today announced it has successfully completed its acquisition of the business assets of AllerQuest, a U.S.-based company dedicated to manufacturing PRE-PEN (benzylpenicilloyl polylysine injection USP) Skin Antigen Test. This acquisition makes ALK the sole manufacturer and distributor of PRE-PEN in the U.S. and Canada, with global ownership rights to all assets of AllerQuest.

PRE-PEN is the only FDA-approved diagnostic skin test for the evaluation of penicillin allergy and is indicated for the assessment of sensitization to penicillin (benzylpenicillin or penicillin G) in patients suspected to have clinical penicillin hypersensitivity.^i,ii (Please see Important Safety Information below.)

Hans Lindeberg, senior vice president of ALK in North America, says: “This transaction reaffirms ALK’s commitment to penicillin allergy testing and antimicrobial stewardship as well as supporting action plans, including that of the World Health Organization (WHO), in response to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and infectious diseases. We are proud to ensure continued delivery of quality products and services to healthcare providers and their patients to ultimately help improve outcomes for those who might be affected by a penicillin allergy, and we thank AllerQuest for trusting us on this matter.”

In the U.S., 10% of people report that they have a penicillin allergy yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than 1% of the population is actually allergic.^iii,iv Correctly identifying patients who are not allergic to penicillin can help them receive first-line antibiotic therapy recommended by guidelines, and decrease exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can reduce incidence of adverse events and antibiotic resistance.^v Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern worldwide, with the CDC estimating that more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, and more than 35,000 resulting deaths.^vi By ensuring continued availability of skin antigen tests for penicillin, and through its deep allergy expertise, ALK aims to be part of the solution to help address this public health concern.