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An antiviral therapy in development for the treatment of cutaneous warts. |
CLS003 is a novel, patented antiviral agent. Initial development will focus on the treatment of cutaneous, non-genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The product candidate is a topical formulation of furosemide and digoxin, each of which has been approved by the FDA for systemic treatment of other medical conditions. Cutanea has obtained an exclusive license for CLS003 in all non-mucosal dermatological uses in North America.
Warts Represent A Significant Unmet Medical Need
It is estimated that more than 7 million patients seek treatment from medical professionals in the United States for various types of warts. Warts are the fifth most common skin condition for which patients seeks medical attention. Currently there are no prescription products approved for the treatment of non-genital cutaneous warts.
Current treatments for cutaneous warts are described as follows: destructive, virucidal, antimitotic, and immune stimulating. The most common therapies for treating warts include salicylic acid and cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen). Surgical excision is sometimes considered. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that acts by slowly destroying the infected cells. Multiple applications are required to attempt to eliminate stubborn lesions. The efficacy has been reported in the literature to range from a 31% to 73% cure rate. Cryosurgery may cause significant discomfort and scarring. There is no guarantee that any of these procedures will result in a permanent cure and recurrence of warts is common.
Potential Competitive Advantages of CLS003 as a Treatment for Warts
CLS003 is a novel, patient-friendly approach to treating warts. Cutanea believes that CLS003 has several attributes that may make it the treatment of choice for a variety of warts: topical formulation, lower risk of recurrence, low viral resistance risk, preserves normal skin tissue.
