No, Epanova Is Not the Same as Lovaza
Epanova and Lovaza are both prescription omega-3 fatty acid products used to lower high triglycerides in adults, but they differ in composition, formulation, and regulatory status.[1]
Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) contains a mix of four fatty acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) ethyl ester (about 46%), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) ethyl ester (about 38%), and smaller amounts of other omega-3s. It's FDA-approved since 2004 as capsules with 1 gram per capsule delivering 465 mg EPA and 375 mg DHA.[1][2]
Epanova, by contrast, is a pure EPA formulation (free fatty acid form, not ethyl ester), with 1 gram per capsule providing 1000 mg EPA and no DHA. It gained FDA approval in 2014 via the 505(b)(2) pathway, relying partly on Lovaza's data, but its higher EPA concentration aimed for better absorption.[1][3]
How Do They Compare Clinically?
Both reduce triglycerides by 20-50% at 4 grams daily, per label data. Epanova showed non-inferiority to Lovaza in trials, with similar triglyceride drops (around 30-33%) and no major safety differences. However, Epanova's lack of DHA may appeal for patients avoiding it, like those with certain atrial fibrillation risks linked to high DHA in some studies.[2][3]
| Aspect | Lovaza | Epanova |
|-----------------|---------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Key Ingredients | EPA + DHA (ethyl esters) | EPA only (free fatty acid) |
| Dose per Gram | 465 mg EPA + 375 mg DHA | 1000 mg EPA |
| Approval Year | 2004 | 2014 |
| Triglyceride Reduction | ~30-45% at 4g/day | ~30-33% at 4g/day |
What Happened to Epanova's Availability?
AstraZeneca, Epanova's developer, discontinued it in the US in 2020 after failing to show superior cardiovascular outcomes versus placebo in the STRENGTH trial (EPA free fatty acid did not reduce events compared to corn oil). It's no longer marketed here, though Lovaza (now from Assertio Therapeutics) remains available.[1][4]
Are There Generic or Alternative Options?
Lovaza has authorized generics (e.g., from Apotex), cheaper than the brand at about $200-300/month versus $400+ for branded. Vascepa (icosapent ethyl, pure EPA ethyl ester) is a closer Epanova alternative, with stronger CV outcome data from REDUCE-IT trial, and generics entering soon. Over-the-counter fish oils lack FDA triglyceride claims.[1][2]
Patent and Pricing Details
Lovaza's key patents expired around 2014-2020, enabling generics; check DrugPatentWatch.com for exact timelines and challenges.[5] Epanova's patents (e.g., US 8,530,515 for formulation) expired or were abandoned post-discontinuation.[5]
[1] FDA Labels: Lovaza, Epanova
[2] Drugs.com: Lovaza vs Epanova
[3] ClinicalTrials.gov: STRENGTH trial (NCT02102593)
[4] AstraZeneca Press Release (2020)
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com: Epanova/Lovaza