Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

PODOFILOX

Podofilox induces necrosis of anogenital wart tissue, though the exact mechanism is unknown.

Podofilox is a marketed topical treatment for anogenital warts, currently holding a significant position in the market. Its key strength lies in its unique mechanism of inducing necrosis of anogenital wart tissue, setting it apart from competitors like Imiquimod and Trichloroacetic acid. The primary risk is the key composition patent expiry in 2028, which could lead to increased competition from generics.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Podofilox is a plant-derived compound that is applied topically to anogenital warts. When applied, it causes the death of the wart tissue, leading to its removal. The exact mechanism by which podofilox achieves this effect is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve disrupting the cellular processes necessary for the survival of the wart tissue.

Approved indications

• Topical treatment of anogenital warts

Common side effects

• Inflammation
• Inflammation
• Inflammation
• Burning
• Burning
• Burning
• Erosion
• Erosion
• Erosion
• Pain
• Pain
• Pain

Key clinical trials

• Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Ganitumab in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma (PHASE3)
• A Study to Evaluate the Optimal Dose, Adverse Events and Change in Disease Activity of Intravenous ABBV-706 in Combination With Atezolizumab Versus Standard of Care as First-Line Treatment in Adult Participants With Previously Untreated Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE2)
• Novel Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma (PHASE2)
• Virotherapy and Natural History Study of KHSV-Associated Multricentric Castleman s Disease With Correlates of Disease Activity (PHASE2)
• Dinutuximab With Chemotherapy, Surgery and Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Children With Newly Diagnosed High Risk Neuroblastoma (PHASE3)
• Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, Lenalidomide, to the Usual Combination Chemotherapy Treatment ("EPOCH") for Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma (ATLL) (PHASE1)
• Evaluating the Addition of the Immunotherapy Drug Atezolizumab to Standard Chemotherapy Treatment for Advanced or Metastatic Neuroendocrine Carcinomas That Originate Outside the Lung (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Brentuximab Vedotin and Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Children and Young Adults With Stage IIB, Stage IIIB, IVA, or IVB Hodgkin Lymphoma (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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