Parcel Health®, Allegheny Health Network to Pilot World's First Paper-Based Prescription Pill Bottle

In a groundbreaking step toward sustainability and innovation in health care, Parcel Health and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced today a pilot program in which AHN will begin filling prescriptions in Tully Tube, the first and only paper-based prescription pill bottle.

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a groundbreaking step toward sustainability and innovation in health care, Parcel Health and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced today a pilot program in which AHN will begin filling prescriptions in Tully Tube, the first and only paper-based prescription pill bottle. Starting this spring, retail pharmacies at select AHN hospitals will supply pill-based medications packaged in these environmentally friendly containers, marking a significant milestone in reducing plastic waste in the pharmaceutical industry.

Each year, more than 9 billion plastic prescription bottles are used in the U.S., with the vast majority ending up in landfills. Parcel Health, a pioneer in sustainable medication packaging, is tackling this issue head-on with its latest design, Tully Tube. This paper-based pill bottle is designed to be both child-resistant and humidity-resistant, while offering superior medication protections and decreasing plastic waste.

"We are thrilled to partner with AHN to bring Tully Tubes to their patients," said Melinda Lee, PharmD, CEO of Parcel Health. "This pilot program represents a significant step toward transforming the pharmaceutical supply chain to be more sustainable, without compromising safety or usability."

Parcel Health's Tully Tubes offer a range of benefits that set them apart from traditional plastic prescription bottles:

• Word's First Paper-Based Prescription Pill Bottle: Tully Tube's body is made from biodegradable paper and its cap is made from recyclable plastic materials, to help reduce plastic waste and environmental impact.
  
  
• Unmatched Temperature Stability and Sturdiness: Tully Tube's multi-layer paper-based core insulates medications from heat exposure, and resists 3 times the physical force of traditional plastic vials, to keep medications safer, especially in transit.
  
  
• Pharmacy Engagement: Tully Tube is 100% customizable, offering pharmacies the chance to bring innovative design that can engage with each patient, streamline pharmacy communications with patients and possibly enhance medication adherence.

Parcel Health's Tully Tube will initially be available at retail pharmacies in select AHN hospitals, including Allegheny Valley, Canonsburg, Forbes, and Jefferson.

"AHN is committed to environmentally responsible practices, and this innovative product developed by Parcel Health allows us to significantly reduce our environmental impact," said Laura Mark, MS, PharmD, FASHP, vice president of pharmacy, AHN. "We are excited to pilot the Tully Tube and explore its potential to transform how we deliver medications to our patients, while contributing to a more sustainable future for all the communities we serve."

A Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Parcel Health's pilot program aligns with AHN's legacy of pioneering advancements in health care delivery while also championing environmental responsibility. This collaboration builds upon the strong foundation laid by AlphaLab Health, an accelerator program partnership between AHN and Innovation Works that launched in 2020 to support health care and life science startups. The program is nationally recognized for its work in promoting innovative solutions to a variety of medical problems. Parcel Health was among the second cohort of startups supported by the life science accelerator based at AHN's Suburban campus in Bellevue.

"One of the most valuable outcomes of participating in the AlphaLab Health program was the development of key leadership and negotiation skills," said Dr. Lee. "These tools have strengthened Parcel Health's ability to collaborate effectively with manufacturers and partners, positioning us as a holistic and forward-thinking company."

Looking Ahead

"Our work with AHN is a great example of responsible innovation in the pharmaceutical industry," said Dr. Lee. "As we continue to collaborate and demonstrate the viability of this unique solution, the potential for scaling its use more broadly across health care systems worldwide represents a significant opportunity to positively impact both the planet and the patients they care for."

For more information about Parcel Health and the Tully Tube, visit Parcel Health's website.

About Allegheny Health Network
Allegheny Health Network, a Highmark Health company, is an integrated health care delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home- and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. AHN provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women's health, diabetes and more. AHN employs approximately 23,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff.

About Parcel Health
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Parcel Health, makes pharmaceutical packaging solutions that protect people and preserve the planet. Every product combines safety, user experience, and sustainability to set a new standard in the industry. This women-owned company proudly leads in this role, believing that pharmaceutical packaging can play an intimate role in a patient's healthcare journey. With an unwavering focus, Parcel Health understands that its products can protect lifesaving medication that often becomes part of a daily routine for millions of patients and their families. It is a harsh reality that plastic pill bottles take hundreds of years to decompose, leaching dangerous microplastics into our environment, while disproportionately threatening vulnerable communities. Parcel Health proudly brings a new vision to the industry to offer pharmaceutical parcels and systems that prioritize patient safety and environmental stewardship.

Media Contact

Maddie Goerl, Allegheny Health Network, 724-799-4441, [email protected], https://www.ahn.org/newsroom 

SOURCE Allegheny Health Network