Two of the leading names in scalp cooling technology, Paxman and Dignitana, have announced a merger forming a unified company under the Paxman AB name. The move is set to significantly boost global access to supportive cancer care, with a particular focus on reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.

The combined organisation will now operate in 900 treatment sites across the United States, up from 600, marking a substantial expansion of reach in a country where currently only 1% of eligible cancer patients benefit from scalp cooling therapies.

“This merger marks a pivotal point in the history of our two companies and the beginning of a brand-new chapter as we unite to form one stronger, unified team,” said Richard Paxman OBE, CEO of Paxman. “The merger provides exciting growth opportunities, enabling further investment in market expansion and R&D for both companies. Merging the best parts of both Paxman and Dignitana brings not only commercial benefits, but also benefits to both the customer and, of course, ultimately our patients.”

Securing improved access to insurance reimbursement in the US remains a key goal for the newly merged entity. Permanent CPT Category I codes for scalp cooling are expected to be introduced from 2026, a move that could help remove cost barriers for patients. New York State recently became the first to require private insurers to cover the treatment. Similar bills are currently under consideration in Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

The merger also strengthens the pipeline for innovation, particularly with Paxman’s upcoming device aimed at preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), which is anticipated to launch in Q2 2026. CIPN affects up to 40% of chemotherapy patients, and there is currently no proven preventative solution.

Scalp cooling works by gently lowering the scalp’s temperature before, during, and after chemotherapy, helping reduce hair loss, a side effect feared by more than 75% of cancer patients. Paxman’s systems have already supported over 100,000 patients across 65 countries.

With global cancer rates projected to reach 32.6 million new cases annually by 2045, the newly formed Paxman AB says it is ready to meet rising demand for supportive treatment technologies that prioritise patients’ quality of life.