See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa

Statins and Vascepa are two types of medications that are often used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Statins are a class of drugs that are primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, while Vascepa is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl, which is a highly purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid.

While both statins and Vascepa can be used to treat cardiovascular disease, they work in different ways. Statins work by blocking the action of an enzyme in the liver that is needed to make cholesterol, which can help to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Vascepa, on the other hand, works by reducing the production of triglycerides, which are a type of fat found in the blood.

There have been some studies that have investigated the potential interactions between statins and Vascepa. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, taking Vascepa in combination with a statin may result in a greater reduction in triglyceride levels compared to taking a statin alone [1]. However, it is important to note that the study was funded by Amarin Pharma, the manufacturer of Vascepa.

Another study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that adding Vascepa to statin therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death [2].

It is important to note that while these studies suggest that taking Vascepa in combination with a statin may be beneficial, it is not recommended for everyone. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements, including Vascepa.

In terms of drug patents, Vascepa is currently under patent protection until 2028 [3]. However, there are several generic versions of statins available on the market, which may make them a more cost-effective option for some patients.

In summary, while there is some evidence to suggest that taking Vascepa in combination with a statin may be beneficial for reducing triglyceride levels and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements.

Sources:

1. Bhatt DL, Steg PG, Miller M, Brinton EA, Jacobson TA, Ketchum SB, et al. Cardiovascular risk reduction with icosapent ethyl for hypertriglyceridemia. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(1):11-22. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1812797
2. Bhatt DL, Steg PG, Brinton EA, Jacobson TA, Ketchum SB, Doyle RT Jr, et al. REDUCE-IT Investigators. Cardiovascular risk reduction with icosapent ethyl for hypertriglyceridemia. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(1):11-22. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1812797
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl) [Internet]. DrugPatentWatch.com. 2023 [cited 2023 Feb 20]. Available from: <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/vascepa>.