Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. has acquired the U.S. commercialization rights to Xepi® (ozenoxacin) Cream, 1%, from Biofrontera Inc. and Ferrer Internacional S.A., expanding its dermatology portfolio with a novel antimicrobial treatment for impetigo.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pelthos will pay Biofrontera $3 million and Ferrer $1.2 million upfront, with additional milestone and royalty payments based on product availability and sales performance. Xepi, approved by the U.S. FDA in 2017, is indicated for the topical treatment of impetigo caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes in patients as young as two months old.
“This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter in the Pelthos growth story,” said CEO Scott Plesha. “Xepi addresses antimicrobial resistance in pediatric dermatology and offers physicians an important alternative to first-line treatments.”
Pelthos plans to relaunch Xepi in late 2026, leveraging its existing commercial infrastructure to promote multiple innovative dermatology brands.
Alongside the acquisition, Pelthos closed an $18 million private convertible notes financing with existing investors, including Ligand Pharmaceuticals and Murchinson Ltd. The funds will support the Xepi acquisition, relaunch efforts, and ongoing commercialization of ZELSUVMI, the company’s treatment for molluscum contagiosum.
CFO Frank Knuettel II noted that the financing “strengthens our balance sheet and supports continued commercial expansion.”
Xepi’s reintroduction is expected to meet growing demand for effective treatments amid rising antibiotic resistance, particularly among pediatric patients.