MedPath

Abametapir

Generic Name
Abametapir
Brand Names
Xeglyze
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C12H12N2
CAS Number
1762-34-1
Unique Ingredient Identifier
6UO390AMFB

Overview

Abametapir is a novel pediculicidal metalloproteinase inhibitor used to treat infestations of head lice. The life cycle of head lice (Pediculus capitis) is approximately 30 days, seven to twelve of which are spent as eggs laid on hair shafts near the scalp. Topical pediculicides generally lack adequate ovicidal activity, including standard-of-care treatments such as permethrin, and many require a second administration 7-10 days following the first to kill newly hatched lice that resisted the initial treatment. The necessity for follow-up treatment may lead to challenges with patient adherence, and resistance to agents like permethrin and pyrethrins/piperonyl butoxide may be significant in some areas. Investigations into novel ovicidal treatments revealed that several metalloproteinase enzymes were critical to the egg hatching and survival of head lice, and these enzymes were therefore identified as a potential therapeutic target. Abemetapir is an inhibitor of these metalloproteinase enzymes, and the first topical pediculicide to take advantage of this novel target. The improved ovicidal activity (90-100% in vitro) of abemetapir allows for a single administration, in contrast to many other topical treatments, and its novel and relatively non-specific mechanism may help to curb the development of resistance to this agent. Abametapir was first approved for use in the United States under the brand name Xeglyze on July 27, 2020.

Indication

Abametapir is indicated, in the context of an overall lice management program, for the topical treatment of head lice infestation in patients 6 months of age and older.

Associated Conditions

  • Head Lice Infestation

FDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc.
43598-921
TOPICAL
0.74 g in 100 g
12/29/2023

EMA Drug Approvals

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No EMA approvals found for this drug.

HSA Drug Approvals

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No HSA approvals found for this drug.

NMPA Drug Approvals

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No NMPA approvals found for this drug.

PPB Drug Approvals

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Registration Date
No PPB approvals found for this drug.

TGA Drug Approvals

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No TGA approvals found for this drug.

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