What is Canthardin Collodion used for?

Canthardin Collodion is indicated for Benign skin lesions including warts and molluscum contagiosum.

Who makes Canthardin Collodion?

Canthardin Collodion is developed by Medical University of South Carolina.

What development phase is Canthardin Collodion in?

Canthardin Collodion is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Canthardin Collodion?

Common side effects include Blister formation and pain at application site, Local inflammation and erythema, Scarring (rare).

Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Canthardin Collodion

Medical University of South Carolina · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Cantharidin causes blister formation and tissue necrosis by inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A, leading to acantholysis and epidermal-dermal separation.

Cantharidin causes blister formation and tissue necrosis by inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A, leading to acantholysis and epidermal-dermal separation. Used for Benign skin lesions including warts and molluscum contagiosum.

At a glance

Generic name	Canthardin Collodion
Also known as	Cantharidin
Sponsor	Medical University of South Carolina
Drug class	Vesicant / keratolytic agent
Target	Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Dermatology
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Cantharidin is a vesicant compound derived from blister beetles that disrupts cellular adhesion and induces localized blistering. When applied topically in collodion formulation, it penetrates the skin and inhibits protein phosphatase 2A, disrupting desmoglein interactions and causing intraepidermal acantholysis. This results in controlled blister formation that separates the epidermis from the dermis, allowing removal of benign skin lesions such as warts and molluscum contagiosum.

Approved indications

Benign skin lesions including warts and molluscum contagiosum

Common side effects

Blister formation and pain at application site
Local inflammation and erythema
Scarring (rare)

Key clinical trials

Cold Atmospheric Plasma Device for Pediatric Molluscum and Verruca (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Source	Used for
ClinicalTrials.gov	Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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