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TICKERS: VRCA

FDA Approval of Drug Could Be on the Way
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"We continue to see good overall odds of ultimate approval" despite the current delay, noted an H.C. Wainwright & Co. report, regarding Verrica Pharmaceuticals topical drug for molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection.

The potential approval and launch of Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (VRCA:NASDAQ) VP-102, topical cantharidin drug and device for molluscum contagiosum, have been delayed due to the third party manufacturer, Sterling, not meeting quality standards with a different product, reported H.C. Wainwright & Co. analyst Oren Livnat in a May 31 research note.

As such, H.C. Wainwright lowered its target price on Verrica to $12 per share from $20 but remains bullish on the U.S.-based dermatology therapeutics firm and its VP-102.

"We continue to see good overall odds of ultimate approval, and still see greater than $300 million potential peak U.S. sales for molluscum, hence, we maintain our Buy rating at current levels," Livnat added. Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a poxvirus, which results in a bumpy skin rash.

This is the second time problems with Sterling not passing plant inspection by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have pushed back Verrica's timeline to commercialization for VP-102. The first happened in Q3/21 and was resolved. Now, the total delay is estimated at 12–18 months.

In light of the setback, Verrica requested a Type A meeting with the FDA to discuss the fastest path to getting VP-102 approved. That discussion should take place by the end of June 2022.

"Based on our reading of the repeated quality issues, we'd prefer Verrica get as far away as possible from Sterling and immediately pursue tech transfer to an alternate facility," Livnat wrote.

Whereas Verrica believes it can switch manufacturers and resubmit a new drug application for VP-102 by the end of this year, H.C. Wainwright is less optimistic. It projects refiling could happen in mid-2023 at the earliest, with subsequent approval late that year, followed by commercial launch in early 2024.

Accordingly, the financial institution revised its model on Verrica, and this resulted in the target price reduction.


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Disclosures

1) Doresa Banning compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.

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Disclosures for H.C. Wainwright, Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc., May 31, 2022

H.C. Wainwright & Co, LLC (the “Firm”) is a member of FINRA and SIPC and a registered U.S. Broker-Dealer.

I, Oren Livnat, CFA , certify that 1) all of the views expressed in this report accurately reflect my personal views about any and all subject securities or issuers discussed; and 2) no part of my compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendation or views expressed in this research report; and 3) neither myself nor any members of my household is an officer, director or advisory board member of these companies.

None of the research analysts or the research analyst’s household has a financial interest in the securities of Verrica Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (including, without limitation, any option, right, warrant, future, long or short position). As of April 30, 2022 neither the Firm nor its affiliates beneficially own 1% or more of any class of common equity securities of Verrica Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Neither the research analyst nor the Firm knows or has reason to know of any other material conflict of interest at the time of publication of this research report. The research analyst principally responsible for preparation of the report does not receive compensation that is based upon any specific investment banking services or transaction but is compensated based on factors including total revenue and profitability of the Firm, a substantial portion of which is derived from investment banking services.

The firm or its affiliates received compensation from Verrica Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for non-investment banking services in the previous twelve months.

The Firm or its affiliates did not receive compensation from Verrica Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for investment banking services within twelve months before, but will seek compensation from the companies mentioned in this report for investment banking services within three months following publication of the research report. The Firm does not make a market in Verrica Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as of the date of this research report. 

The securities of the company discussed in this report may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial position. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This report is offered for informational purposes only, and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities discussed herein in any jurisdiction where such would be prohibited. This research report is not intended to provide tax advice or to be used to provide tax advice to any person. Electronic versions of H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC research reports are made available to all clients simultaneously.

No part of this report may be reproduced in any form without the expressed permission of H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC. Additional information available upon request. H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC does not provide individually tailored investment advice in research reports. This research report is not intended to provide personal investment advice and it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in financial instruments and implementing investment strategies discussed or recommended in this research report.

H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC’s and its affiliates’ salespeople, traders, and other professionals may provide oral or written market  commentary or trading strategies that reflect opinions that are contrary to the opinions expressed in this research report. H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC and its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding its analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives (including options and warrants) thereof of covered companies referred to in this research report.

The information contained herein is based on sources which we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed by us as being accurate and does not purport to be a complete statement or summary of the available data on the company, industry or security discussed in the report. All opinions and estimates included in this report constitute the analyst’s judgment as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.

Securities and other financial instruments discussed in this research report: may lose value; are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. 




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