Verrica's YCANTH Gains First Japanese Approval for Molluscum After Phase 3 Success
Verrica Pharmaceuticals’ partner Torii Pharmaceutical has launched YCANTH in Japan for molluscum contagiosum, marking the first approved treatment for this condition in that market. Approval followed a Phase 3 trial showing statistically significant complete lesion clearance with up to four applications, and Verrica will receive royalties upon manufacturing transfer completion.
1. Strategic Launch in Japan
In February 2026, Torii Pharmaceutical—a subsidiary of Shionogi—commercialized YCANTH in Japan for molluscum contagiosum under its partnership with Verrica. The launch grants Torii exclusive marketing rights in Japan while Verrica retains global rights outside Japan, creating a new revenue opportunity through royalties.
2. Clinical Approval and Trial Results
Japanese Ministry of Health approval was based on a double-blind, randomized Phase 3 study demonstrating statistically significant complete clearance of all treatable molluscum lesions after up to four applications of YCANTH versus placebo. The trial also confirmed YCANTH’s strong safety profile when applied once every 21 days.
3. Manufacturing Transfer and Royalty Framework
Under an amended collaboration, Verrica will transfer at least one component of YCANTH applicator manufacturing to Torii over several years, initially receiving transfer pricing for applicators made by its manufacturing partners. After this milestone, Verrica will earn royalties on net Japanese sales of applicators produced by Torii and its partners.