VP1 + lidocaine

VP1 + lidocaine is a combination drug product that was investigated for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum. The formulation consists of **VP1** (a proprietary, standardized solution of **cantharidin**) and **lidocaine**, a local anesthetic. Cantharidin is a potent vesicant derived from blister beetles that acts as a protein phosphatase 1 and 2A (PP1/PP2A) inhibitor, leading to the degradation of desmosomes and subsequent intraepidermal blistering (acantholysis) at the site of application. This process results in the physical extrusion of the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) infected cells. Lidocaine is included in the formulation to mitigate the localized pain and discomfort typically associated with the application of vesicants. The development of this specific combination was primarily led by **Vyne Therapeutics** (formerly Foamix Pharmaceuticals) and **Verrica Pharmaceuticals** (which developed the related VP-102). However, clinical development for this specific combination has largely been superseded by single-agent cantharidin products or other combinations.

Other names

VP1 + lidocaine