Journal of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (Jan 2021)
Abametapir: A novel pediculicide with a unique mechanism
Abstract
Pediculus humanus capitis or head louse, a blood-sucking, wingless arthropod, has been a source of repulsion and embarrassment causing social distress, parental anxiety, and absenteeism. The battle to eradicate this infestation has not been rewarding as the obligate parasite continues to produce resistance to effective first-line pediculicides such as permethrin. Abametapir is a new pediculicide that inhibits the metalloproteinases critical to the hatching process of the eggs. Being an ovicidal drug, it needs a single application. In two large phase 3 studies with 704 subjects aged ≥6 months, abametapir lotion eliminated lice in ≥80% of subjects after a single 10-min application with no nit combing. The common adverse effects observed are erythema, rash, and sensation of skin burning. The Food and Drug Administration approved abametapir lotion, 0.74%, for a one-time topical treatment of head louse infestation for patients aged 6 months and older in July 2020. Good efficacy, safety, and a novel mechanism of action make it a welcome addition to the list of effective lousicidal drugs.
Keywords