資料來源： https://www.nasdaq.com/article/btg-varithena-earns-fda-approval-for-30-day-postactivation-shelf-life-20160706-00206

BTG plc (BTG.L), a specialist healthcare company, announced Wednesday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an extension of the post-activation shelf life of Varithena (polidocanol injectable foam) 1% to thirty days from seven.

The company said the update enhances the ease of scheduling for a comprehensive, above and below the knee solution for great saphenous vein system incompetence and for veins that other procedures cannot reach effectively.

Physicians can adapt the Varithena procedure to the unique demands of their practice both in terms of timing of procedures, and the wide range of vein sizes and shapes they can treat, including tortuous veins and visible varicosities.

Tumescent anesthesia is avoided, and a cohesive, low-nitrogen microfoam allows for consistent performance.

Brian Ferris, Chief of Surgery, Overlake Hospital Medical Center, said, "Varithena has become an important part of my practice, in particular for patients with tortuous or difficult to treat veins, or for patients that do not want to undergo thermal ablation. With the FDA's approval of a longer shelf life - once I have activated the canister - I have more flexibility in scheduling patients. This will help ensure that more patients who can benefit from Varithena will get the treatment."