FDA Gives Nod To Asclera To Treat Small Varicose Veins

Polidocanol is a sclerosant, an irritant injected to treat varicose veins. Polidocanol causes fibrosis inside varicose veins, occluding the lumen of the vessel and reducing the appearance of the varicosity.

Asclera is approved to close spider veins (tiny varicose veins less than 1millimeter in diameter) and reticular veins (those that are 1 to 3millimeters in diameter). Asclera acts by damaging the cell lining of blood vessels. This causes the blood vessel to close, and it is eventually replaced by other types of tissue.

Norman Stockbridge, director of the division of cardiovascular and renal products of the center for drug evaluation and research at FDA, said: “Varicose veins are a common condition. Asclera is indicated for the treatment of small types of varicose veins when the aim of treatment is to improve appearance.”

Asclera is distributed by BioForm Medical of Franksville, Wis, and manufactured by Chemische Fabrik Kreussler & Co of Wiesbaden, Germany.