WASHINGTON (AP) — Specialty drugmaker BTG PLC has received U.S. approval to market an injectable drug to treat patients with varicose veins.
The drug, Varithena, is pharmaceutical foam dispensed from a canister device. The Food and Drug Administration approved the treatment based on two studies in which Varithena led to improvements in symptoms of “superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities” in patients, the company said in a statement.
More than 30 million adults in the U.S. have varicose veins, according to BTG. The drugmaker says varicose veins can lead to pain, aching, restless legs, cramps and other symptoms. Current treatments for the condition include conventional surgery, laser surgery and heat-based catheter procedures.
London-based BTG said it plans to launch the drug in the second quarter of 2014.
