Asclera approved as varicose vein treatment

SILVER SPRING, Md. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug for treating varicose veins, the agency announced Tuesday.

The FDA approved Asclera (polidocanol), an injected drug made by Wiesbaden, Germany-based Chemische Fabrik Kreussler & Co. and distributed by Franksville, Wis.-based BioForm Medical.

Varicose veins are twisted and swollen veins that occur in the legs, often in women and obese people.

“Varicose veins are a common condition,” FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Division of Cardiovascular and Renal Products director Norman Stockbridge said in a statement. “Asclera is indicated for the treatment of small types of varicose veins when the aim of treatment is to improve appearance.”