Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Ingenol Mebutate (Reference)

Ingenol mebutate is a protein kinase C (PKC) activator that induces rapid necrosis of treated cells and promotes immune-mediated clearance of actinic keratosis lesions.

Ingenol mebutate is a protein kinase C (PKC) activator that induces rapid necrosis of treated cells and promotes immune-mediated clearance of actinic keratosis lesions. Used for Actinic keratosis (field treatment on face or scalp).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Ingenol mebutate activates protein kinase C, leading to direct cytotoxic effects on keratinocytes and induction of local inflammation. This triggers both rapid necrosis of treated lesions and a delayed immune response that eliminates residual dysplastic cells in the surrounding skin, providing both immediate and sustained therapeutic benefit.

Approved indications

• Actinic keratosis (field treatment on face or scalp)

Common side effects

• Application site erythema
• Application site pain
• Application site edema
• Application site erosion
• Application site pruritus

Key clinical trials

• To Compare Safety and Efficacy of Perrigo's Drug Compared to an FDA Approved Drug in the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis (PHASE3)
• To Compare Safety and Efficacy of Perrigo's Drug Product Compared to an FDA Approved Drug Product in the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis (PHASE3)
• A Study of Equivalence of Generic Ingenol Mebutate Gel 0.05% and Picato Gel 0.05% in Subjects With Actinic Keratosis (PHASE3)
• An Equivalence Study of Generic Ingenol Mebutate Gel 0.015% and Picato Gel 0.015% in Subjects With Actinic Keratosis (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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