Verrica Pharmaceuticals Settles Litigation with Dormer Laboratories

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company specializing in dermatology therapeutics, has announced the resolution of a legal dispute with Dormer Laboratories, Inc. As part of this settlement, Dormer Labs will no longer sell cantharidin-containing products in the United States. This includes their products Cantharone (Liquid) and Cantharone Plus.

Ted White, Verrica’s President and CEO, expressed satisfaction with the settlement, pointing out that Dormer Labs had been a major supplier of non-FDA approved cantharidin products in the U.S. White emphasized that the settlement highlights Verrica’s commitment to eliminating the distribution of unapproved cantharidin products. He believes this outcome will lead to increased use of YCANTH, the only FDA-approved cantharidin treatment.

YCANTH (VP-102) is a proprietary combination product consisting of a GMP-controlled formulation of cantharidin delivered through a single-use applicator. This allows for precise topical application, making it an effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum contagiosum is a widespread and highly contagious skin condition that predominantly affects children. In the United States, approximately six million people suffer from this condition.

The FDA approved YCANTH based on successful results from two Phase 3 clinical trials involving around 500 patients. These trials confirmed YCANTH's safety and efficacy in treating molluscum contagiosum. As a result, approximately 228 million Americans are now eligible for insurance coverage for YCANTH. Verrica provides YCANTH to patients with or without insurance for a cost ranging between $25 to $75 per treatment. Financial assistance is also available for those in need.

In addition to treating molluscum contagiosum, Verrica has conducted Phase 2 studies of VP-102 for treating common warts and external genital warts. YCANTH should be administered exclusively by trained healthcare professionals and is not intended for home use.

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. focuses on developing treatments for skin diseases that require medical intervention. The company’s flagship product, YCANTH, received FDA approval on July 21, 2023, for treating molluscum contagiosum in patients aged two and older. Verrica is also working on VP-102 for common and external genital warts, addressing significant unmet needs in dermatology. Additionally, Verrica is developing VP-103, another cantharidin-based product, aimed at treating plantar warts.

Moreover, Verrica has entered a global licensing agreement with Lytix Biopharma AS to develop and commercialize VP-315 for non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This partnership underscores Verrica’s commitment to expanding its portfolio and addressing various dermatological conditions.