Verrica Pharmaceuticals presented Phase 2 data for its oncolytic peptide immunotherapy VP‑315 at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 40th Annual Meeting, which concluded on November 9, 2025. The study enrolled 82 patients with 92 basal cell carcinoma lesions and administered 8 mg of VP‑315 once daily for 2–3 consecutive days to up to two target lesions.
The clinical results were striking: 97 % of treated lesions achieved an objective response, and 51 % of lesions were cleared histologically. An additional 86 % of lesions experienced a measurable reduction in size. Immune‑microenvironment analysis performed on 22 patients (24 lesions) 12–14 weeks after treatment revealed a robust increase in cytotoxic T‑cell infiltration and a concurrent decrease in regulatory T‑cell populations, confirming the dual mechanism of direct tumor lysis and immune activation that underpins VP‑315’s design.
Regulatory context is favorable: Verrica has already secured an End‑of‑Phase 2 meeting with the FDA for VP‑315, positioning the program for a pivotal Phase 3 trial. The company is actively pursuing strategic, non‑dilutive partnerships to fund the next development phase and accelerate commercialization, a move that reflects the high capital intensity of oncology drug development and the need for external expertise in global market access.
The data underscore VP‑315’s potential to become the first non‑surgical therapy for basal cell carcinoma, a disease that affects roughly 3.6 million U.S. patients annually. A non‑invasive, short‑course treatment could capture a substantial share of the current surgical market, which is dominated by excision and Mohs micrographic surgery. The company estimates a multi‑billion‑dollar market opportunity, and the strong clinical profile may attract partners willing to share the development burden and bring the product to market faster.
CEO Jayson Rieger emphasized the significance of the findings: “These results reinforce VP‑315’s promise to redefine basal cell carcinoma treatment. The immunologic data confirm that a local, short‑term therapy can not only destroy tumor cells directly but also stimulate a potent anti‑tumor immune response.” Rieger added that the company is “exploring strategic, non‑dilutive partnerships to advance the program and support commercialization,” highlighting the importance of external collaboration for scaling the product.
The VP‑315 data presentation precedes Verrica’s Q3 2025 earnings release scheduled for November 10, 2025, providing investors with a clearer view of the company’s pipeline trajectory ahead of the quarterly financial update.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.