Akers Biosciences gains after targeting sales in Puerto Rico

Shares in Akers Biosciences rose on Monday after the health technology company said it has begun marketing its test for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) to some hospitals in Puerto Rico as part of its strategy to accelerate US sales of its product.

The Nasdaq and AIM-listed company believes that Puerto Rico represents a new market opportunity which is closely aligned to the US and has more than 60 potential hospital customers.

Its tests, PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay and PIFA PLUSS PF4, are designed to quickly determine if a patient being treated with blood thinner heparin may be developing HIT.

Patients suffering HIT are at risk of developing limb and life-threatening complications.

Chief executive John J. Gormally said: "There are some 64 potential hospital customers on the island and we believe the opportunity to enable those prospective customers to generate significant cost savings through the timely diagnosis of HIT will be very attractive."

London-listed shares in Akers Bioscience were up 4.71% to 133.50p at 1340 BST.