Verrica Pharmaceuticals Announces That Development Partner, Torii Pharmaceutical, Receives Approval for YCANTH® (TO-208) in Japan for the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

Core Insights - Approval of YCANTH® in Japan addresses a significant unmet need for patients with molluscum contagiosum, triggering a $10 million cash milestone payment to Verrica [1][2] - Verrica retains global rights to YCANTH for all indications outside of Japan, indicating strong market potential for the product [1][2] - The company is optimistic about future approvals for YCANTH globally and is preparing for a Phase 3 program for treating common warts [2] Company Overview - Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. is focused on developing medications for skin diseases requiring medical interventions, with YCANTH being the first FDA-approved treatment for molluscum contagiosum [4][5] - The company has a partnership with Torii Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., which has recently received regulatory approval for YCANTH in Japan [2][4] - YCANTH is a proprietary drug-device combination product that allows for precise topical dosing, targeting a common skin disease affecting approximately six million people in the U.S. [3][4] Financial Implications - The approval of YCANTH in Japan will provide Verrica with a one-time $10 million milestone payment, enhancing its financial position and supporting U.S. commercial activities [2] - Approximately 225 million lives are eligible for YCANTH coverage, with commercially insured patients paying only $25 per treatment visit [3] Clinical Development - The approval was based on positive results from a Phase 3 trial in Japan, which demonstrated the efficacy and safety of TO-208 compared to placebo [2] - The company is also working on expanding the use of YCANTH for treating common warts, with a Phase 3 program expected to begin by the end of 2025 [2]