Verrica Pharmaceuticals Announces Upcoming Presentation of Phase 2 Data Highlighting the Potential Abscopal Effects of VP-315 in the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma at the 2026 Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting 

Rhea-AI Summary

Verrica Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: VRCA) will present Phase 2 data on VP-315 (ruxotemitide) showing reductions in untreated basal cell carcinoma (BCC) lesions consistent with a potential abscopal effect. In 9 subjects, 14 non-treated lesions showed a 67% overall size reduction and 21% complete histologic clearance (3/14).

The poster will be presented May 15, 2026 at the SID Annual Meeting and reports an average 86% overall tumor-size reduction referenced for treated patients.

Positive

• 67% reduction in non-treated lesion size (14 NTLs)
• 21% complete histologic clearance in NTLs (3 of 14)
• Average 86% overall tumor-size reduction reported in Phase 2

Negative

• Small dataset: 14 non-treated lesions in 9 subjects
• Open-label Phase II design without a randomized control arm
• Non-serious local skin reaction reported in 1 NTL

News Market Reaction – VRCA

+17.74% 4.9x vol

19 alerts

+17.74% Session close to close

+28.0% Peak in 29 hr 26 min

$146.02M Market Cap

4.9x Rel. Volume

In the May 6 session, VRCA gained 17.74%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +28.0% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 19 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. Trading volume was very high at 4.9x the daily average, suggesting strong buying interest.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

The stock surged +17.7% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with g...

Analysis

The stock surged +17.7% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with growing enthusiasm around VP-315’s Phase 2 results, including an 86% average tumor size reduction and evidence of abscopal-like effects in untreated lesions. Historically, similar conference and clinical updates averaged a -4.12% move, so a large upside response would mark a break from that pattern. Investors may weigh these data against existing resale registration capacity and prior volatility when considering sustainability.

Key Figures

Average tumor reduction: 86% reduction Untreated lesions analyzed: 14 NTLs in 9 subjects NTL size reduction: 67% overall reduction +5 more

8 metrics

Average tumor reduction 86% reduction Overall tumor size reduction in Phase 2 VP-315 study

Untreated lesions analyzed 14 NTLs in 9 subjects Phase 2 BCC trial, untreated non-target lesions

NTL size reduction 67% overall reduction 14 untreated non-target lesions after TL treatment

Complete clearance rate 21% (3/14 NTLs) Complete histologic clearance in untreated lesions

Superficial NTL reduction range 50–100% reduction Superficial non-target BCC lesions

Nodular NTL reduction range 25–100% reduction Nodular non-target BCC lesions

Dose per injection <8 mg in 0.5 mL Intratumoral VP-315 injections to treated lesions

Follow-up duration 12 weeks Monitoring period for non-treated lesions in Phase 2

Previous Conferences,clinical trial Reports

1 past event · Latest: Oct 07 (Positive)

Same Type Pattern 1 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Oct 07	Conference clinical data	Positive	-4.1%	Announced new Phase 2 VP-315 BCC data to be presented at SITC meeting.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Past VP-315 conference/clinical presentations saw negative price reactions despite scientific updates, suggesting the stock has previously sold off on similar data disclosures.

Recent Company History

Recent news shows Verrica advancing both its commercial and clinical franchises. Earnings on Mar 11, 2026 highlighted strong YCANTH revenue growth, cost reductions, and VP-315 progress toward Phase 3 in basal cell carcinoma. Prior conference and corporate participation headlines in early 2026 produced mixed price moves. Within this backdrop, the current Phase 2 VP-315 abscopal-effect data builds on earlier scientific presentations, reinforcing BCC as a key strategic focus for the company.

Key Terms

abscopal effect, oncolytic peptide, intratumoral, histologic clearance, +4 more

8 terms

abscopal effect medical

"data highlighting the potential abscopal effects of the Company’s novel oncolytic peptide"

A rare immune-driven reaction where treating a tumor in one spot—often with targeted radiation—leads to shrinkage of tumors elsewhere in the body that weren’t directly treated. Investors should care because it suggests a local therapy can produce broader, systemic benefits, potentially improving clinical trial results, increasing treatment value, and expanding market opportunities; think of fixing one small leak and discovering it helps reduce damage throughout the whole house.

oncolytic peptide medical

"the Company’s novel oncolytic peptide, VP-315 (ruxotemitide), in the treatment"

An oncolytic peptide is a short, protein-like molecule engineered to attack and destroy cancer cells directly, often by disrupting their outer membrane and sometimes by alerting the immune system to the tumor. Investors care because these molecules represent a distinct therapeutic approach that can create new treatment options, drive clinical and regulatory value, and carry specific development and manufacturing risks—think of them as precision tools that could unlock a new market if proven safe and effective.

intratumoral medical

"Subjects received <8 mg (in 0.5mL) intratumoral VP-315 injections in up to 2"

"Intratumoral" describes something that occurs or exists within a tumor, which is an abnormal growth of tissue. For investors, understanding intratumoral is important because it relates to medical treatments or research aimed at targeting the tumor directly, potentially leading to more effective therapies. Think of it as focusing treatment straight into the problem area, much like fixing a leak by working directly on the pipe itself.

histologic clearance medical

"Complete histologic clearance was observed in 21% of NTLs (3 /14)."

Histologic clearance is when tissue examined under a microscope shows no remaining disease cells after treatment or surgery. For investors, it’s a concrete sign a therapy or procedure is effective at the cellular level—like finding no weeds after pulling them—because it lowers the chance of recurrence, strengthens regulatory and clinical claims, and can boost adoption and future revenue prospects.

tumor microenvironment medical

"broader immune activation within the tumor microenvironment of remote NTLs."

The tumor microenvironment is the immediate area surrounding a cancer cell, made up of nearby cells, blood vessels, and support structures that influence how the cancer grows and spreads. It functions like a bustling neighborhood that can either help or hinder the tumor’s development. For investors, understanding changes in this environment can signal the effectiveness of treatments and potential shifts in a cancer-related market.

neoadjuvant medical

"provide a primary and/or neoadjuvant treatment option for patients with BCC"

"Neoadjuvant" describes treatments or interventions that are given before the main or primary procedure, such as surgery or a major decision. It’s like preparing the ground before planting seeds, aiming to improve the final outcome. For investors, understanding neoadjuvant approaches can provide insight into how companies enhance results or effectiveness in their processes or products.

Phase 2 medical

"Open-Label Phase II trial Methods Subjects received <8 mg"

Phase 2 is the mid-stage clinical trial where a new drug or treatment is tested in a larger group of patients to see if it works and to keep checking safety after initial human testing. Think of it as a field test that proves whether a product actually delivers its promised benefit. Investors watch Phase 2 closely because its results strongly influence a medicine’s chances of reaching the market, the size of its potential sales, and the company’s valuation.

non-melanoma cancers medical

"Category: Non-Melanoma Cancers and UV Biology/InjuryPoster Session Dates"

Non-melanoma cancers are types of skin cancer that do not involve melanoma, most commonly basal cell and squamous cell cancers; they start in ordinary skin cells and are generally less likely to spread aggressively. They matter to investors because they create steady demand for treatments, diagnostics and preventive care—like routine maintenance versus emergency repairs—so advances, approvals or reimbursement changes can meaningfully affect sales, clinical trial value and regulatory risk for healthcare companies.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

Phase 2 Data Highlight the Observed Abscopal-like Effect of VP-315 in Non-treated Basal Cell Carcinoma Tumors 

WEST CHESTER, Pa., May 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Verrica”) (Nasdaq: VRCA), a therapeutics company developing and commercializing medications for the treatment of dermatological diseases, including skin cancers, today announced the presentation of Phase 2 clinical data highlighting the potential abscopal effects of the Company’s novel oncolytic peptide, VP-315 (ruxotemitide), in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) at the 2026 Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting, taking place from May 13-16, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. Patients with BCC frequently present with multiple tumors, and approximately one-third will develop additional primary tumors over their lifetime, highlighting the need for therapies that address diseases such as BCC with multifocal potential.

“The peripheral anticancer activity we are observing well beyond the injection site suggests that VP-315 could be exerting an abscopal effect for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma,” said Jayson Rieger, PhD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Verrica Pharmaceuticals. “Such activity may indicate a broader immune activation within the tumor microenvironment of non-target lesions. If this is demonstrated in further pivotal testing, it could suggest that VP-315 has a unique potential to not only effectively treat primary BCC lesions but could also address the unmet need in patients with more than one lesion. It could also benefit patients with difficult to detect, residual disease that can sometimes be left behind after surgical excision of the tumor,” Dr. Rieger continued.

The poster, titled “VP-315 Demonstrates a Potential Abscopal Effect in Untreated Non-Target Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Lesions” will be presented by Noah Rosenberg MD, Verrica’s Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Rosenberg commented “We are excited about the potential of VP-315 to provide a primary and/or neoadjuvant treatment option for patients with BCC, whether it be their first lesion or multiple lesions after a long history of BCC. While the best outcome for patients is to completely eliminate the tumor, which we have observed in many patients in our Phase 2 study, overall tumor size was reduced on average by 86%, which is clinically meaningful. This highlights the potential for VP-315 to improve the patient experience by reducing the size and potential complexity of future procedures, even where surgical excision is ultimately required,” Dr. Rosenberg concluded.   

Presentation Details:

Poster Number: LB1190
Category: Non-Melanoma Cancers and UV Biology/Injury
Poster Session Dates and Time:
Friday, May 15, 2026 (4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
Location: (Salons B, C, D – Lower Level, Hilton Chicago)

Key Findings:

Background

VP-315 (ruxotemitide) is a potential first-in-class oncolytic chemotherapeutic peptide immunotherapy administered directly into a tumor to induce immunogenic cell death and thereby unleashing a broad spectrum of tumor antigens for T-cell responses, which may offer a non-surgical option for patients suffering from skin cancer. Verrica holds an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize VP-315 for certain dermatologic oncology indications, including non-metastatic melanoma and non-metastatic merkel cell carcinoma, and intends to focus initially on basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas as the lead indications for development. VP-315 has demonstrated positive tumor-specific immune cell responses in multi-indication Phase 1/2 oncology trials.

Type of Study:
Open-Label Phase II trial

Methods

Subjects received <8 mg (in 0.5mL) intratumoral VP-315 injections in up to 2 treated lesions (TLs). Up to 3 non-treated lesions (NTLs) per subject were monitored over 12 weeks. Changes in NTL size were assessed histologically after excision on digital images in relation to tumor bed size, histologic subtype and NTL location relative to TLs.

Results:

14 untreated NTLs in 9 subjects demonstrated an overall 67% reduction in lesion size following treatment of TLs. Reductions ranged from 50-100% (superficial) and 25-100% (nodular). Complete histologic clearance was observed in 21% of NTLs (3 /14). Reductions in tumor size were observed in all NTL locations including proximal, distal and contralateral to TLs. No skip lesions were observed. Non-serious local skin reactions were reported in 1 NTL.

Conclusions

The therapeutic effects of VP-315 extended beyond treated lesions. Reductions in untreated NTLs suggest a potential abscopal effect consistent with broader immune activation within the tumor microenvironment of remote NTLs.

About Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and incidence is rising worldwide. There are approximately 3.6 million diagnoses of basal cell carcinomas in the U.S. each year, with a high unmet need for new treatment options. Basal cell carcinoma is generally treated with invasive surgery to remove the tumor, which can cause pain, infection, bleeding and scarring.

About Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Verrica is a therapeutics company developing and commercializing medications for the treatment of dermatological diseases, including skin cancer. Verrica’s product YCANTH^® (VP-102) (cantharidin), is the first and only healthcare professional-administered treatment approved by the FDA to treat adult and pediatric patients two years of age and older with molluscum contagiosum, a highly contagious viral skin infection affecting approximately 6 million people in the United States, primarily children. YCANTH^® (VP-102) is also in development to treat common warts, the largest remaining unmet need in medical dermatology. Verrica has also entered a worldwide license agreement with Lytix Biopharma AS to develop and commercialize VP-315 (ruxotemitide, formerly known as LTX-315 and VP-LTX-315) for non-melanoma skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. For more information, visit www.verrica.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” and similar expressions, and are based on Verrica’s current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements about the clinical development and benefits of Verrica’s product candidates, including VP-315. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties related to market conditions, satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the proposed public offering and other risks and uncertainties that are described in Verrica’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and other filings Verrica makes with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to Verrica as of the date of this release, and Verrica assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Investors:

John J Kirby
Interim Chief Financial Officer
jkirby@verrica.com

Kevin Gardner
LifeSci Advisors
kgardner@lifesciadvisors.com

FAQ

What Phase 2 VP-315 results is Verrica presenting at SID 2026 (VRCA)?

Verrica is presenting Phase 2 data showing potential abscopal effects with VP-315. According to the company, 14 non-treated BCC lesions across 9 subjects showed a 67% overall size reduction and 21% complete histologic clearance (3/14).

When and where will Verrica (VRCA) present the VP-315 poster at SID 2026?

The VP-315 poster will be presented May 15, 2026 during the SID Annual Meeting poster session. According to the company, Poster LB1190 is scheduled for May 15, 2026 from 4:30 pm–6:00 pm at the Hilton Chicago (Salons B, C, D).

What evidence supports an abscopal effect for VP-315 in basal cell carcinoma?

Evidence includes reductions in lesions distant from injected tumors and complete histologic clearance in some NTLs. According to the company, 14 non-treated lesions showed a 67% overall size reduction and clearance in 3 of 14 NTLs.

How was VP-315 administered in the Phase 2 basal cell carcinoma study?

VP-315 was given as intratumoral injections of less than 8 mg in 0.5 mL into up to two treated lesions. According to the company, up to three non-treated lesions per subject were monitored over 12 weeks for size and histology.

What safety findings did Verrica report for VP-315 in the Phase 2 study?

Reported safety findings were limited and mostly local. According to the company, one non-treated lesion experienced a non-serious local skin reaction; no other specific serious adverse events are reported in the announcement.

Does the Phase 2 VP-315 data establish clinical benefit for VRCA patients with multiple BCC lesions?

The results are preliminary and hypothesis-generating rather than definitive. According to the company, reductions in untreated lesions suggest potential broader immune activation, but further pivotal testing is required to confirm clinical benefit.