TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

ASCLERA (polidocanol)

Sclerosing Activity Trial Activity: Stable 1 active trials
Cardiovascular Approved 2010-03-30

Asclera is a sclerosing agent used for patients with small, uncomplicated varicose veins in the legs. It helps patients with spider veins that are 1 mm or less in diameter, as well as reticular veins between 1 and 3 mm. This medication is prescribed to close off these specific types of veins, though it has not been evaluated for use in veins larger than 3 mm.

Source: FDA Label • CHEMISCH FBRK KRSSLR • Sclerosing Agent

How ASCLERA Works

This drug works by causing local damage to the lining of the blood vessels when injected into the vein. This damage triggers platelets to gather and stick to the vein wall, creating a network of debris and fibrin that blocks the vessel. Over time, the blocked vein is replaced by fibrous connective tissue.

Development Insights

DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. conducting 2 trials (50%)
3 indications explored (Focused)
actinic keratosis (2 trials)
basal cell carcinoma (1 trials)
neurofibromatosis 1 (1 trials)
1
Indication
--
Phase 3 Trials
16
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2010-03-30
Routes
INTRAVENOUS
Dosage Forms
SOLUTION

Companies

Active Ingredient: POLIDOCANOL

ASCLERA Approval History

2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
8 FDA actions from 2010 to 2025
Jan 2025 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)
Aug 2019 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Mar 2018 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What ASCLERA Treats

3 indications

ASCLERA is approved for 3 conditions since its original approval in 2010. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Spider Veins
  • Varicose Veins
  • Reticular Veins
Source: FDA Label

ASCLERA Competitive Set

Pro

Three rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.

Indication competitors

2

Same indication, different mechanism — what else might this patient receive?

Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to ASCLERA

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

SODIUM TETRADECYL SULFATE
SODIUM TETRADECYL SULFATE
1 shared
Hikma
Shared indications:
Varicose Veins
SOTRADECOL
SODIUM TETRADECYL SULFATE
1 shared
Viatris
Shared indications:
Varicose Veins
VARITHENA
POLIDOCANOL
1 shared
PROVENSIS
Shared indications:
Varicose Veins
📋

Clinical Trial Registry

6 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT05020912 CASE2621 Ph 2 recruiting Alteration of the Immune Microenvironment in Basal Cell Carcinoma Following Photodynamic Therapy
NCT06132165 2023P002152 Ph 1 completed Efficacy of Skin Cooling in Reducing Pain Associated With Non-invasive Treatments of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Cutaneous Neurofibromas
NCT06120036 2022P001946 Ph 1 completed Dosing and Tolerability of Deoxycholic Acid vs. Polidocanol in the Treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Cutaneous Neurofibromas
NCT02154789 2013-005338-39 Ph 4 terminated An Assessment of Intra-lesional 3% Polidocanol Solution in the Treatment of Digital Myxoid Cyst
NCT02632110 results posted CP0112 Ph 2 completed Microneedle Lesion Preparation Prior to Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy (ALA-PDT) for AK on Face
NCT03024060 CP0114 Ph 3 withdrawn Phase 3 Study of Levulan With New Blue Light for AK on the Face or Scalp
🔬

Active Pipeline

Pro

Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

Pro

Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

ASCLERA FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

ASCLERA is indicated for the treatment of Spider Veins; Varicose Veins; Reticular Veins.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.

How We Calculate These Metrics

Trial Activity Stage

Measures the current development activity pattern based on trial phases, status, and trends. Important: This measures R&D activity, not commercial lifecycle.

Trial statuses: "Active" means recruiting or ongoing. "Completed" means reached planned endpoint. "Terminated" means stopped early—often due to safety, efficacy, or business reasons.

  • Growth: High proportion of early-phase trials (Phase 1/2), active development
  • Expansion: Significant Phase 3 activity, approaching or pursuing approvals
  • Mature: Substantial Phase 4 post-marketing studies
  • Stable: Mixed phase distribution, steady development
  • Declining: Low active trial ratio, reduced R&D investment