ZELSUVMI is now commercially available via prescription through retail pharmacies, ASPN pharmacy services and for at-home delivery through mail-order pharmaciesOnce-daily topical prescription medication can be applied by patients, parents and caregivers outside of a physician's office, at home or on the goMolluscum contagiosum is a highly contagious viral skin condition that afflicts an estimated 16.7 million people with up to 6 million new incidents per year in the United States, most of them children DURH ...

JUPITER, Fla., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: LGND) today announced that its partner Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: PTHS) has commercially launched ZELSUVMI™ (berdazimer) topical gel 10.3%, the first and only FDA-approved at-home treatment for molluscum contagiosum. The Company has earned a $5 million milestone payment from Pelthos following the commercial launch of ZELSUVMI. “Molluscum impacts millions of people in the U.S., particularly children. ...

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Channel Therapeutics Corporation and LNHC, Inc. has been completed, leading to the formation of Pelthos Therapeutics Inc., which will focus on launching ZELSUVMI™ for treating molluscum contagiosum infections starting July 2025 [1][2]. Company Overview - Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to commercializing innovative therapeutic products for high unmet patient needs [1][7]. - The company will trade on the NYSE American exchange under the ticker symbol "PTHS" beginning July 2, 2025 [1]. Merger Details - The merger involved CHRO Merger Sub Inc., a subsidiary of Channel Therapeutics, merging with LNHC, Inc., a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals, with LNHC continuing as a subsidiary of Channel [1]. - The merger is seen as a significant milestone for Pelthos, facilitating the launch of ZELSUVMI™ and creating shareholder value [2][5]. Financial Aspects - Concurrent with the merger, Pelthos closed a $50.1 million equity private placement from strategic investors, which includes the cancellation of approximately $18.8 million in bridge capital previously advanced to support ZELSUVMI™'s commercial launch [3][5]. - The private placement involves investments in Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and common stock [3]. Product Information - ZELSUVMI™ (berdazimer) is a topical gel approved for treating molluscum contagiosum in adults and pediatric patients aged one year and older [4][6]. - It is the first and only prescription medication for this condition that can be administered at home, making it a novel treatment option [4][6]. - The product was developed using Pelthos' proprietary nitric oxide-based technology platform, NITRICIL™ [6]. Market Opportunity - Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection affecting an estimated 16.7 million people in the United States, indicating a significant market opportunity for ZELSUVMI™ [4].

Core Viewpoint - The proposed merger between Ligand Pharmaceuticals and Channel Therapeutics aims to enhance the commercialization of Pelthos' ZELSUVMI™, a novel FDA-approved drug for treating Molluscum contagiosum infections, with a capital raise of $50 million from strategic investors [2][4][6]. Company Overview - Ligand Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on enabling scientific advancement through financing and licensing technologies, aiming to create a diversified portfolio of revenue streams [14]. - Channel Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing non-opioid therapeutics for pain management, with a focus on the NaV1.7 sodium ion-channel [12]. - Pelthos Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Ligand, is dedicated to commercializing innovative therapeutic products, including ZELSUVMI™ [10]. Product Details - ZELSUVMI™ (berdazimer) is a topical gel approved by the FDA in 2024 for the treatment of Molluscum contagiosum in patients aged one year and older, and is the first prescription therapy that can be applied at home [3][9]. - The product utilizes Pelthos' proprietary nitric oxide-based technology platform, NITRICIL™, and is designed to be easy to use for patients, parents, and caregivers [5][9]. Market Opportunity - Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection affecting an estimated 16.7 million people in the U.S., with a significant unmet medical need for effective home treatment options [4][5]. - The merger is expected to provide near-term revenue generation opportunities from ZELSUVMI™ and advance Channel's existing pain treatment programs [4][6]. Transaction Details - The merger agreement stipulates that Channel will acquire 100% of Pelthos' equity interests, with Ligand investing $18 million and the investor group contributing $32 million, totaling $50 million [6][7]. - The combined company will operate under the name Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. and will be listed on the NYSE American under the ticker PTHS [2][7]. Leadership Structure - Following the merger, Scott Plesha will serve as CEO of the combined company, while Frank Knuettel II will take on the role of CFO [7].