The U.S. now has an FDA-approved medication for a viral skin disease that afflicts 6 million people every year.
On July 21, the FDA approved Verrica Pharmaceuticals' topical molluscum drug, Ycanth (cantharidin), for people aged 2 and older. Molluscum contagiosum causes itchy bumps, is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and is most common among children 10 years and younger.
Only healthcare providers can administer the product, and the approved regimen directs providers to apply the topical solution on the bumps every 3 weeks as needed.
In a trial, 13 percent of study participants who received a placebo saw their bumps disappear after 12 weeks, compared to 54 percent of those who received Ycanth.