Pelthos Therapeutics Acquires Xeglyze® for Head Lice Treatment
DURHAM, N.C., January 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: PTHS), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to providing innovative therapeutic products, has successfully acquired Xeglyze® (abametapir) from Hatchtech Pty Ltd. for $1.8 million. This acquisition is a significant addition to Pelthos's commercial portfolio and aims to enhance the treatment options available for head lice infestations in patients aged 6 months and older.
About Xeglyze® (abametapir)
Xeglyze is a novel, FDA-approved pediculicide specifically formulated for the topical treatment of head lice infestations. Approved in July 2020, the medication offers a new approach to lice removal, demonstrating both ovicidal and lousicidal activities, which means it can effectively kill both lice and their eggs.
Unlike many existing treatments that require multiple applications, Xeglyze can be applied in a single, 10-minute treatment, offering a more convenient and efficient solution for families dealing with lice infestations.
Strategic Implications of the Acquisition
The acquisition of Xeglyze expands Pelthos's capabilities to commercialize this product globally, without any future milestone, royalty, or other payments owed to Hatchtech. Scott Plesha, CEO of Pelthos, stated, “This acquisition allows us to add another complementary FDA-approved product to our portfolio. Xeglyze is a highly differentiated product with a strong clinical profile.”
Plesha emphasized that this development aligns seamlessly with Pelthos’s ongoing strategy to bring innovative therapeutic products to market that address unmet patient needs, ultimately yielding long-term value for shareholders. The company plans to relaunch Xeglyze in the first half of 2027.
The Need for Effective Head Lice Treatments
Head lice infestations are most prevalent among preschool- and elementary-school-aged children, affecting approximately 6 to 12 million children in the U.S. annually. Convenience and effectiveness are critical, as traditional treatments often necessitate two applications spaced a week apart, complicating compliance and effectiveness.
Dr. Stephen W. Stripling of The Medical University of South Carolina remarked, “Despite how common head lice is, there have been few major advances in controlling infestations in recent years.” He highlighted that Xeglyze's single-application ease is a significant advancement in treatment.
Important Safety Information
As a topical treatment for head lice infestations, Xeglyze is recommended for patients aged 6 months and older. It must be used as part of a comprehensive lice management program, which includes washing clothing and personal care items and removing dead lice and nits with a fine-tooth comb.
- Administration Instructions: Apply to dry hair, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Adverse Reactions: Common reactions may include skin irritation, rash, or hair color changes.
- Contraindications: Not recommended for children under 6 months of age.
About Pelthos Therapeutics
Pelthos Therapeutics is committed to developing and commercializing therapeutic solutions to meet significant treatment gaps. The company’s lead product, ZELSUVMI™ (berdazimer) topical gel, was approved by the FDA in 2024. For more information about Pelthos and its innovative therapies, visit www.pelthos.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the company's expectations and future plans related to the acquisition of Xeglyze. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.