Verrica Pharmaceuticals Doses First Patient in Phase 3 Trial for YCANTH® (VP-102) Targeting Common Warts
WEST CHESTER, Pa., January 7, 2026 — Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: VRCA) has made significant strides in the field of dermatology therapeutics, announcing the dosing of the first patient in its global Phase 3 clinical trial of YCANTH (VP-102) aimed at treating common warts, a condition affecting approximately 22 million patients in the United States.
Clinical Milestone Marks Progress for YCANTH®
The first patient was dosed in December 2025 as part of a clinical program essential to the expansion of Verrica's product offerings. Jayson Rieger, PhD, MBA, President and CEO of Verrica, stated, “The dosing of the first patient... represents an important clinical milestone for our label expansion strategy of YCANTH.” He emphasized the potential of YCANTH to be the first FDA-approved therapy for common warts, which currently lack approved prescription treatments.
Data Insights from the COVE-1 Phase 2 Study
The Phase 3 trial is informed by the positive results of the Phase 2 COVE-1 study that demonstrated the efficacy of YCANTH (VP-102). This open-label trial assessed patients with common warts and showed promising results:
- 51% of subjects treated with VP-102 achieved complete clearance of treatable warts by Day 84.
- The trial reported primarily expected local cutaneous reactions, with no serious adverse events (SAEs) noted.
Verrica partners with Torii, which will share the clinical trial costs on a 50/50 basis, funding the initial $40 million of trial expenses.
Market Potential and Unmet Needs in Dermatology
Common warts represent a significant market opportunity as there are no FDA-approved therapies currently available. With around 50% of patients seeking treatment being children, the need for effective solutions is paramount. Verrica estimates this to be a multibillion-dollar market.
If successfully developed and commercialized, YCANTH is expected to leverage marketing synergies with Verrica’s ongoing promotion of YCANTH for molluscum, potentially expanding its reach within similar patient demographics.
About YCANTH® (VP-102)
YCANTH is a unique drug-device combination therapy, utilizing a precise formulation of cantharidin for targeted administration. Currently, it holds the distinction of being the first and only FDA-approved treatment administered by healthcare professionals for molluscum contagiosum, a highly contagious skin condition impacting around six million people in the U.S. The accessibility and affordability of YCANTH treatments are noteworthy, with insured patients facing minimal out-of-pocket costs.
About Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Verrica is a cutting-edge dermatology therapeutics company dedicated to developing innovative medications for various skin diseases. Its flagship product, YCANTH (VP-102), is pivotal in addressing unmet dermatological needs and is being actively developed for treating common warts, representing a breakthrough in medical dermatology. Additionally, Verrica has entered into a license agreement with Lytix Biopharma AS for the development of VP-315 for non-melanoma skin cancers.
Forward-Looking Statements
This article contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect Verrica's beliefs and expectations regarding potential developments with YCANTH and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Interested parties are encouraged to review Verrica's filings with the SEC for detailed disclosures regarding these risks.