Description
Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a prescription medication used to lower triglyceride levels in adults with high triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia). It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 26, 2012, and is manufactured by Amarin Corporation.
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in the bloodstream and stored in fat cells. While some triglycerides are essential for bodily functions, high levels of triglycerides in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
How does Vascepa work?
Vascepa is made up of a highly purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil. EPA is believed to reduce triglyceride levels by decreasing the production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, which is a type of cholesterol that carries triglycerides in the blood. By reducing VLDL cholesterol production, Vascepa helps to lower triglyceride levels.
Clinical trials for Vascepa
The approval of Vascepa by the FDA was based on several clinical trials, including the MARINE and ANCHOR trials. The MARINE trial enrolled 229 patients with high triglyceride levels (between 500 and 2000 mg/dL) who were already receiving statin therapy. Patients were randomized to receive Vascepa or placebo, in addition to standard therapy. The study found that Vascepa reduced triglyceride levels by 33.1% compared to placebo. Additionally, Vascepa was well-tolerated, with similar rates of adverse events in both treatment groups.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.