Vascepa, also known as icosapent ethyl, is an omega-3 fatty acid medication primarily used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood that can indicate the risk of heart disease [1]. On its own, Vascepa is not typically indicated for treating high cholesterol.
However, according to a 2019 study [2], taking Vascepa in addition to statin therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in patients with high triglycerides and mixed dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of lipids in the blood).
The REDUCE-IT study [3], a landmark trial published in 2018, demonstrated that Vascepa significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with elevated triglycerides despite stable statin therapy [4]. This has led some physicians to use Vascepa as an adjunctive therapy to statins for patients with high triglycerides and mixed dyslipidemia.
According to DrugPatentWatch.com [4], Vascepa is marketed by Amarin Corporation, and it has a patent protection extended until 2030. While Vascepa is not a substitute for statins, it can be used as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular disease management plan in patients with high triglycerides and mixed dyslipidemia. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if Vascepa is appropriate for your specific condition.
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2023). Vascepa (icoapent ethyl). Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-100-2016-2028-0003
[2] Bhatt et al. (2019). REDUCE-IT study. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(4), 333–344. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2013381
[3] Bhatt et al. (2018). Effect of icosapent ethyl on cardiovascular events in patients with high triglycerides following an acute coronary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 72(20), 2334–2343. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.10.012
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2023). Vascepa (icoapent ethyl). Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-pool/US-100-2016-2028-0003