Pelthos Therapeutics Inc.

From time to time, we may be involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are not presently a party to any legal proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, would have a material adverse effect on our business. Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us due to defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, negative publicity and reputation harm, and other factors.

On February 14, 2024, our board of directors received a demand letter from an attorney representing Chromocell Holdings and our former Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Christian Kopfli, who was released for “cause” as disclosed elsewhere in this Report. Mr. Kopfli alleged an improper termination for “cause” and claimed to seek monetary damages in the amount of $479,169. Of the $479,169 asserted by Mr. Kopfli, as of December 31, 2024, the Company had accrued $363,091 in compensation expenses associated with Mr. Kopfli’s prior employment with the Company. However, the Company believed the assertions made by Mr. Kopfli were without merit and commenced the New York Action against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings, asserting causes of action against Mr. Kopfli for breach of the Employment Agreement entered into on January 10, 2023 between the Company and Mr. Kopfli, breach of fiduciary duty by Mr. Kopfli, as well as breach of contract against Chromocell Holdings. The Company also asserted a “faithless servant” claim against Mr. Kopfli, seeking a ruling that Mr. Kopfli was not entitled to compensation from the Company. The Company sought monetary damages against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings in the New York Action, plus disgorgement of all compensation previously paid or accrued to Mr. Kopfli by the Company.

By Order dated October 3, 2024, the court in the New York Action awarded the Company a default judgment against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings on all claims and ordered an assessment of damages against Mr. Kopfli and Chromocell Holdings (to be held at a date to be determined). As of December 31, 2024, the Company has removed the accrual of $363,091 in compensation expenses and recorded a gain on default judgement in the same amount.

On July 31, 2024, the Company received a demand letter from an attorney representing Parexel. The letter, which was addressed to both the Company and Chromocell Holdings, purports to be a notice of default of the Promissory Note and seeks the payment of allegedly unpaid principal in the amount of $682,551.49 plus interest exceeding $177,000. The Company denies that it is liable for any of the amounts sought by Parexel; the Company is not a party to the Promissory Note and does not believe it is liable for any amounts allegedly due thereunder. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously in the matter.