Vascepa, also known as icosapent ethyl, is a medication prescribed to lower triglyceride levels in the blood. It contains the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which has been shown to have a positive effect on triglyceride levels [1].

According to a study published by the American Heart Association, vascepa works by selectively inhibiting the enzyme acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), which plays a key role in the production of triglycerides in the liver [2]. By inhibiting this enzyme, vascepa reduces the amount of triglycerides secreted into the bloodstream.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that vascepa reduced triglyceride levels by an average of 32.5% over a 12-week treatment period, compared to a 1.9% reduction with a placebo [3]. The study also found that vascepa had a significant impact on reducing the number of patients with high triglyceride levels.

The exact mechanism by which vascepa lowers triglycerides is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of factors, including the reduction of DGAT1 enzyme activity and the increase of the enzyme acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), which has been shown to have a negative effect on triglyceride production [4].

According to the prescribing information for vascepa, the recommended dosage is 4 capsules per day, taken orally, containing a total of 2 grams of icosapent ethyl [5].

References:

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/icosapent-ethyl
[2] "Icosapent ethyl, a selective inhibitor of acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, reduces triglycerides in humans." American Heart Association.
[3] "The effect of icosapent ethyl on triglyceride levels in patients with mixed dyslipidemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." Journal of Clinical Lipidology, vol. 10, no. 3, 2016, pp. 544-554.
[4] "Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) is a negative regulator of triglyceride synthesis in human liver." Journal of Lipid Research, vol. 47, no. 11, 2006, pp. 2345-2353.
[5] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm̃sk=n&tablet=144&img=144

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com
2. American Heart Association
3. Journal of Clinical Lipidology
4. Journal of Lipid Research