Vascepa is a prescription medication that is used to treat high levels of triglycerides in the blood. It is a brand name drug that contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl. According to DrugPatentWatch [1], the patent for Vascepa is set to expire in 2030. As of 2021, there are no generic versions of Vascepa available on the market. This means that the pricing for Vascepa is currently set by the manufacturer, Amarin Pharma Inc.

According to Formulary Watch [2], Vascepa is considered a Tier 3 drug by Medicare Part D plans, which means that it is a non-preferred brand name drug. This can result in higher out-of-pocket costs for patients who are enrolled in these plans. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage for Vascepa.

It is important to note that generic versions of Vascepa may become available after the patent expires in 2030. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information [3], generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand name drugs because they do not require the same level of research and development as brand name drugs. Additionally, generic drugs are often produced by multiple manufacturers, which can increase competition and lower prices.

In summary, as of 2021, there are no generic versions of Vascepa available on the market. The pricing for Vascepa is currently set by the manufacturer, Amarin Pharma Inc. Medicare Part D plans may classify Vascepa as a non-preferred brand name drug, which can result in higher out-of-pocket costs for patients. However, generic versions of Vascepa may become available after the patent expires in 2030, which could result in lower prices.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VASCEPA
[2] https://www.formularywatch.com/view/prime-therapeutics-two-drugs-from-medicare-formularies
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK566011/