Tarsus posts record XDEMVY sales, raises guidance, moves to acquire Alkeus

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals reported second quarter 2026 results on August 6, 2026, disclosing XDEMVY net product sales of $173.9 million, an increase of more than 69% year-over-year, and raised full-year 2026 XDEMVY sales guidance to $685-705 million.¹

The company also disclosed a pending acquisition of Alkeus Pharmaceuticals to expand Tarsus' retina pipeline with a Phase 3 clinical program for Stargardt disease, an inherited retinal disease that can lead to blindness and affects more than 36,000 patients in the United States.¹ To help fund the deal, Tarsus priced a $125 million private placement financing that included participation from top-tier funds and several existing Alkeus Pharmaceuticals investors.¹ The acquisition target, ALK-001 (gildeuretinol acetate), is described as an investigational small molecule with once-daily oral formulation targeting toxic Vitamin A dimerization in the retina with a tolerability and efficacy profile studied across more than 400 individuals.¹

On the pipeline, Tarsus said the Phase 2 KORE trial evaluating TP-04, a lotilaner-based sterile ophthalmic gel for ocular rosacea, continues to progress, with topline data expected in the first half of 2027.¹ The company also completed enrollment for Calliope, a Phase 2 trial of TP-05, an oral prophylactic designed to kill ticks carrying Lyme disease before transmission, with topline data expected in the first half of 2027 and potential to support a Phase 3-ready package.¹ Separately, Tarsus said it is anticipated to initiate the Phase 3 COMFORT trial of IRX-101, an investigational ocular antiseptic, in the first half of 2027, with topline results expected in 2028.¹

On financials, the company reported a net loss of $18.6 million for the quarter and cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $449.7 million as of June 30, 2026.¹