Efficacy and tolerability of an investigational nitric oxide-releasing topical gel in patients with molluscum contagiosum: A randomized clinical trial

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Apr;82(4):887-894. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.09.064. Epub 2019 Oct 3.

Abstract

Background: Although a variety of ablative, topical, and systemic therapies are used for molluscum contagiosum (MC), none has been well studied or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of topical SB206 (berdazimer sodium gel coadministered with hydrogel) with vehicle.

Methods: A 12-week, phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial of topical SB206.

Results: A total of 256 patients (mean age, approximately 7 years) participated. Of patients who completed 12 weeks of treatment (n = 217), all MC lesions cleared in 20.0% of patients who received vehicle compared with 13.2%, 41.0%, and 35.1% of patients treated with twice daily SB206 4%, 8%, and 12%, respectively, and 41.9% of patients treated with once daily SB206 12%. Application-site erythema occurred in 10.6% of patients treated with SB206. Application-site reactions were the most common adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation, affecting 2 patients (approximately 4%) in each of the SB206 4%, 8%, and 12% twice daily groups and 0 patients in the vehicle or SB206 12% once daily groups.

Limitations: A larger study is needed to confirm the efficacy of SB206 12% once daily and provide additional safety assessments.

Conclusion: Of the doses studied, SB206 12% applied once daily provided the best balance between MC lesion clearance and tolerability for evaluation in a larger study.

Keywords: communicable diseases; dermatology; molluscum contagiosum; nitric oxide; topical administration.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Erythema / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Gels
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molluscum Contagiosum / drug therapy*
  • Siloxanes / administration & dosage*
  • Siloxanes / adverse effects*
  • Siloxanes / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Gels
  • Siloxanes
  • berdazimer sodium