New Treatment Option for Molluscum Contagiosum in Japan
Torii Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a group company of Shionogi & Co., Ltd., officially launched YCANTH® topical solution 0.71% for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in Japan today, February 9, 2026. This launch introduces a new therapeutic option for patients aged two years and older suffering from this common viral skin infection.
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) granted manufacturing and marketing approval for YCANTH® on September 19, 2025. Subsequently, the product was listed on the Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI) drug price list on November 12, 2025.
Product Details and Clinical Efficacy
YCANTH® topical solution 0.71% contains cantharidin as its active ingredient. While the precise mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed that cantharidin, a vesicant, works by activating neutral serine proteases, which weaken epidermal desmosomes and break down the epidermal structure. This process leads to the formation of intraepidermal blisters, and the subsequent peeling of the skin is thought to remove virus-infected tissue.
The approval in Japan was supported by positive results from a confirmatory Phase 3 clinical trial conducted within the country. This trial demonstrated statistically significant efficacy compared to placebo and confirmed the safety and tolerability of the treatment when applied once every 21 days for up to four applications.
Global Development and Partnership
YCANTH®, known as VP-102 in the United States and TO-208 during its development in Japan, was originally developed by Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. licensed the development and commercialization rights for the product in Japan to Torii Pharmaceutical. Verrica retains global rights to YCANTH® in all territories outside of Japan.
In the United States, YCANTH® received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2023 and was launched in August 2023. It holds the distinction of being the first and only healthcare professional-administered product approved by the FDA for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adult and pediatric patients two years of age and older.
About Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a highly contagious viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, a member of the poxviridae family. Commonly referred to as 'water warts,' it primarily affects children and is characterized by small, shiny papules on the trunk and extremities. The prevalence of molluscum contagiosum in Japan is estimated at 1.6 million cases annually.
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