ALK Abello agrees licensing deal for penicillin allergy diagnostic product

ALK Abello has entered into a new partnership with AllerQuest to develop and market a new diagnostic product for use in identifying penicillin allergies.

Minor Determinant Mixture (MDM) is currently being developed by AllerQuest and is intended for use in conjunction with ALK's Pre-Pen, thus providing a more complete and unique penicillin allergy diagnostic offering.

It will enhance the diagnostic capabilities of the product and simplify the testing procedure, thus providing clinics and hospitals with a uni-dosed kit that is easy to use.

Currently, Pre-Pen is not registered for sale in Europe, but ALK and AllerQuest believe that the combination of the two products will offer global market potential.

Jens Bager, president and chief executive officer of ALK, said: "We will be able to offer an even more comprehensive and simpler test for all penicillin allergies to the benefit of both patients and the healthcare system."

According to the firm's most recent financial report, ALK Abello saw an eight percent year-on-year rise in revenues during the first quarter of 2011.