Topical Cantharidin in the Management of Molluscum Contagiosum: Preliminary Assessment of an Ether-free, Pharmaceutical-grade Formulation.

Topical application of cantharidin, a vesicant that is naturally derived from the blister beetle, has a long track record of being used to treat primarily cutaneous molluscum contagiosum and Verrucae. Although not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, cantharidin has been available through a variety of compounding sources without standardization of manufacturing, formulation, or method of application. Randomized, controlled studies assessing safety and efficacy of topical cantharidin are limited, to date, with the majority of published evidence gleaned from collective clinical experience. A recent Phase II pilot study evaluating a specific formulation of cantharidin 0.7% solution [w/v] (VP-102) has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety results, with additional studies forthcoming, including the designated use of a patented application device that contains the solution.