January is proving to be a good month for BTG as days after getting US approval for Voraxaze, which removes methotrexate from the blood of cancer patients, the UK has presented positive late-stage data on its varicose vein therapy Varisolve.

The company announced the successful outcome of VANISH-2, the first of two US Phase III studies comparing Varisolve (polidocanol endovenous microfilm) with placebo in patients with symptomatic and visible varicose veins and saphenofemoral junction incompetence. The trial met all primary, secondary and tertiary efficacy endpoints, BTG says.

Patients treated with Varisolve demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in symptoms, as well as improvement of appearance. They also reported an improved quality of life.

BTG chief executive Louise Makin said the firm is delighted with the successful outcome of the trial and is looking forward to the results of VANISH-1, plus data from another study in which Varisolve is used following heat ablation. These are both due in the coming months, "and we are on track to submit our US regulatory application by the end of 2012".

Earlier this month, BTG received a boost after the US Food and Drug Administration approved Voraxaze (glucarpidase) to treat patients with toxic levels of the chemotherapy methotrexate in their blood due to kidney failure.