Vascepa is a prescription medication used to reduce triglyceride levels in adults. The drug's active ingredient is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is an omega-3 fatty acid. The drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 [1].
In November 2019, an FDA panel unanimously recommended expanding the use of Vascepa to include patients with high triglyceride levels who are already taking statins [2]. This recommendation could significantly increase the number of people who are eligible for Vascepa treatment.
As for the Vascepa discount, there is no information available in the provided sources about whether it can be extended. It is worth noting, however, that the drug's manufacturer, Amarin Corporation, has faced legal challenges related to its marketing of Vascepa. In 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Amarin, stating that the company had made misleading claims about the drug's effectiveness [3].
In summary, while an FDA panel has recommended expanding the use of Vascepa, there is no information available about whether the drug's discount can be extended. It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best treatment options for their individual needs.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VASCEPA
[2] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-amarin-fda/fda-panel-unanimously-backs-expanding-use-of-amarins-heart-drug-vascepa-idUSKBN1XO2VM
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4671468/