Pelthos Therapeutics acquires Xeglyze (abametapir) topical treatment for head lice

Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. announced it has acquired Xeglyze (abametapir) from Hatchtech Pty Ltd., an Australian biotech company, for $1.8 million. Xeglyze is a pediculicide indicated for the topical treatment of head lice infestation in patients 6 months of age and older. The prescription medication was approved by the  FDA  in July 2020. The acquisition will provide Pelthos with the ability to market Xeglyze worldwide, and there are no future milestone, royalty or other payments owed to Hatchtech.

“This acquisition allows us to add another complementary FDA-approved product to our portfolio,” said Scott Plesha, CEO of Pelthos. “Xeglyze is a highly differentiated product with a strong clinical profile. We believe it aligns well with our existing products and commercial infrastructure, making this an attractive investment opportunity for Pelthos. This addition will allow us to continue to execute on our strategy of commercializing innovative therapeutic products in 2026 that address unmet patient needs, delivering long-term value for our shareholders.”

Pelthos plans to relaunch Xeglyze in the first half of 2027.

“Despite how common head lice is, there have been few major advances in controlling infestations in recent years,” said Dr. Stephen W. Stripling,  Pediatrician, at The Medical University of South Carolina. “Most head lice products have little ovicidal activity and require two treatments approximately 7 to 10 days apart, with the second application required to treat those lice that survived the first treatment and were not physically removed by nit combing. Not complying with this regimen and having trouble choosing the optimal time for the second application are major drawbacks in using these products. Xeglyze has demonstrated both ovicidal and lousicidal activity and offers the potential for a more effective treatment using only a single, 10-minute application.”