Insecticide-Free Head Lice Treatment from Piedmont Pharmaceuticals Demonstrates Efficacy

New data presented at the recent American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) meeting suggest that an insecticide-free treatment currently in development and moving through the regulatory process in the U.S. and Canada may be an effective alternative to existing insecticide-based products for the treatment of pediculosis capitis (head lice). Head lice are parasites that feed on the blood of the host, causing irritation, itching and sores. The study is one of several well-controlled trials conducted to date to support the regulatory process for the developmental rinse.

The study enrolled 30 subjects with active head lice infestation, and evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a patented pediculicide treatment being developed by Piedmont Pharmaceuticals. Subjects were considered successes if two or fewer treatments were required over the 21 day evaluation period. A greater than 96 percent success rate was achieved in the study population. Among these subjects, there was a statistically significant reduction in mean lice counts between pre-treatment and the final visit.

During the study, the colorless, odorless rinse was applied to the subjects' hair and after 10 minutes, rinsed out with water. The hair was then combed for 10 minutes to collect adult lice and nymphs. The subjects were evaluated at baseline and on days 7, 14 and 21. More than 96 percent of participants were lice free on Day 21, with over 55 percent requiring only one treatment.