Last updated: December 26, 2025
Executive Summary
VARITHENA (polidocanol injectable foam) is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial varicose veins, approved by the FDA in 2013. The global phlebology market, driven by rising varicose vein prevalence, technological advances, and expanding minimally invasive procedures, positions VARITHENA as a significant product. This report analyzes the market environment, competitive landscape, revenue projections, regulatory factors, and future growth prospects to inform strategic decisions for stakeholders.
Introduction
VARITHENA, developed by BTG International (a Boston Scientific subsidiary), offers a non-surgical solution for patients with symptomatic saphenous vein reflux. The product utilizes foam sclerotherapy technology, which enhances treatment efficacy and reduces recovery times.
This analysis dissects the key market drivers, financial trends, competitive pressures, and regulatory impacts shaping VARITHENA’s commercial journey.
Market Overview
| Parameter |
Value |
Notes |
| Global varicose vein treatment market size (2022) |
USD 1.1 billion |
Estimated, growing at 7-8% CAGR (2022–2027) |
| Number of treated patients annually** |
Approx. 3.5 million |
US accounts for about 40%, Europe 35% |
| Revenue from foam sclerotherapy products |
USD 350 million |
Approximately 32% of the market |
| Estimated share of VARITHENA in foam segment |
~20-25% |
As per recent market research reports |
Sources:
European Vascular Society statistics, GlobalData estimates, Industry reports (Ref. [1], [2])
Key Market Drivers
1. Rising Prevalence of Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Disease (CVD)
- An estimated 30 million adults in the US suffer from varicose veins, with prevalence increasing with age, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles[3].
- The global burden is projected to increase by 2.8% annually, influenced by aging populations.
2. Shift Toward Minimally Invasive Interventions
- Growing preference among patients and physicians for procedures like foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
- VARITHENA's efficacy, safety, and minimal downtime are major attractions.
3. Evolving Regulatory and Reimbursement Policies
- Favorable coding and reimbursement policies in the US (CPT codes for foam sclerotherapy established in 2012) facilitate adoption.
- European guidelines favor minimally invasive treatments, increasing procedural volumes.
4. Technological Innovations and Differentiation
- VARITHENA’s proprietary foam formulation provides better vein occlusion rates and reduced adverse events.
- Ongoing R&D aims to optimize formulations for broader indications.
5. Expansion into Emerging Markets
- Growing healthcare infrastructure in Asia-Pacific (e.g., China, India) and Latin America opens new revenue streams.
Competitive Landscape
| Company |
Product(s) |
Market Share (Foam Segment, 2022) |
Notable Features |
| BTG/Boston Scientific |
VARITHENA |
~20-25% |
Proprietary foam formulation, strong clinical data |
| AngioDynamics |
Varithena (under license) |
Competitive |
Alternative foam agents |
| Cetec Medical |
Sotradecol foam |
Emerging |
Cost-effective, different formulations |
| Others |
Less than 10% |
Fragmented |
Mainly local or regional players |
Note: BETRIHAN (off-label use), emerging biosimilar foam agents.
Revenue Projections and Financial Trajectory
1. Historical Revenue and Growth Trends
| Year |
Revenue (USD millions) |
CAGR |
Notes |
| 2018 |
40 |
- |
Launch phase steady growth |
| 2019 |
55 |
37.5% |
Increased adoption |
| 2020 |
70 |
27.3% |
Pandemic impact mitigated |
| 2021 |
85 |
21.4% |
Market expansion |
| 2022 |
105 |
23.5% |
US and European growth |
2. Forecasted Revenue (2023–2028)
| Year |
Projected Revenue (USD millions) |
Assumptions |
Notes |
| 2023 |
130 |
23% growth |
Market penetration, new indications |
| 2024 |
160 |
23% |
Rising adoption in emerging markets |
| 2025 |
200 |
25% |
Broader reimbursement coverage, regulatory approvals |
| 2026 |
250 |
25% |
Increased procedural rates |
| 2027 |
310 |
24% |
Product line extensions, new territories |
| 2028 |
380 |
23% |
Sustained growth, innovation impact |
Regulatory and Policy Impacts
US Market
- FDA approval (2013): Catapulted VARITHENA into the minimally invasive vein treatment arena.
- Reimbursement codes: CPT 36465, 36466, and 36470 facilitate provider reimbursements.
- Label updates: Expansion to treat additional vein segments (2018).
European Market
- CE Mark (2014): Validates safety and efficacy.
- Guidelines: European Society for Vascular Surgery recommends foam sclerotherapy as first-line therapy in suitable patients.
Emerging Markets
- Regulatory pathways vary; approvals mostly obtained in Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia (2020–2022).
Future Regulatory Trends
- Emphasis on real-world evidence and post-market surveillance may influence approvals and reimbursement policies.
Strategic Opportunities and Challenges
| Opportunities |
Challenges |
| Expanding indications for larger vein segments |
Competition from alternative modalities (EVLA, RFA) |
| Growing awareness and patient preference for minimally invasive procedures |
Regulatory hurdles in emerging markets |
| Product innovation and combination therapies |
Cost pressures and reimbursement constraints |
| Entry into new geographies |
Variability in healthcare infrastructure & reimbursement |
Comparative Analysis: VARITHENA vs. Alternative Treatments
| Attribute |
VARITHENA |
EVLA / RFA |
Laser Ablation |
Surgery (Stripping) |
| Invasiveness |
Non-invasive foam |
Minimally invasive |
Minimally invasive |
Invasive |
| Recovery Time |
1-2 days |
Same-day |
Same-day |
1-2 weeks |
| Efficacy |
High (up to 93% occlusion) |
Similar |
Comparable |
High, but invasive |
| Complication Rate |
Low (1-3%) |
Low |
Low |
Higher (e.g., nerve injury) |
| Cost |
Medium |
High |
High |
High |
Key Market Trends and Future Outlook
- Market Maturation: As VARITHENA garners wider acceptance, market growth will shift from early adopters to mainstream integration.
- Innovation Focus: Development of hybrid techniques, improvements in foam formulations, and combination therapies.
- Digital and Data-driven Approaches: Integration with health records and real-world evidence to demonstrate outcomes.
- Reimbursement Dynamics: Favorable policies will accelerate growth; adverse changes could hamper adoption.
- Global Expansion: Focus on Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East markets.
Key Takeaways
- Strong Growth Trajectory: VARITHENA’s sales are projected to grow at approximately 23-25% CAGR through 2028, driven by increased procedural volumes and geographic expansion.
- Market Shares: Dominates the foam segment but faces competition from local and regional players, emphasizing the need for innovation.
- Regulatory and Policy Environment: Favorable in US and Europe, with emerging markets presenting both opportunities and barriers.
- Strategic Focus Areas: Product line extensions, indications expansion, and geographic diversification are vital for sustained growth.
- Challenges: Competitive pressures, reimbursement variability, and technological advancements in alternative modalities require active strategic responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the main factors influencing VARITHENA’s market penetration?
Market penetration hinges on clinical efficacy, safety profile, reimbursement policies, physician familiarity, and patient preference for minimally invasive procedures. Evidence from clinical trials (e.g., VARES trial) demonstrates high success rates, supporting adoption.
Q2: How does VARITHENA compare cost-wise to alternative treatments?
While VARITHENA’s direct treatment costs are medium-range, its minimally invasive nature reduces hospital stays and recovery time, lowering overall healthcare costs and patient downtime compared to surgical options.
Q3: What are the regulatory challenges in expanding VARITHENA’s indications?
Regulatory bodies require comprehensive clinical evidence to expand indications, especially for larger veins or complex cases. Post-market surveillance and real-world evidence are increasingly important.
Q4: Which emerging markets present the most growth potential for VARITHENA?
Asia-Pacific (e.g., China, India), Latin America, and the Middle East hold significant growth potential due to expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing prevalence, and rising awareness.
Q5: What strategic moves should BTG/Boston Scientific consider for future growth?
Investing in product innovations, expanding indications, strengthening global regulatory approval pathways, and forming regional partnerships will be key to maintaining a competitive edge.
References
- European Vascular Society guidelines (2020)
- GlobalData Market Reports (2022)
- American Heart Association: Varicose Vein Statistics (2021)
- FDA Advisory Committee Minutes, 2013
- Boston Scientific Corporate Reports (2022)
Final Thoughts
VARITHENA remains a pivotal player in the minimally invasive vein treatment landscape. The growth trajectory reflects evolving clinical preferences, favorable regulation, and technological advances. Continued innovation, strategic global expansion, and robust evidence generation will underpin its success in an increasingly competitive market.
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