See the DrugPatentWatch profile for vascepa

Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for use along with a healthy diet to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dL or higher [1]. It is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which is a type of fat that the body needs for normal functioning [1].

Traditional treatments for high triglyceride levels and cardiovascular disease risk reduction typically include lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, as well as medications such as statins, fibrates, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements [2].

Vascepa differs from traditional treatments in a few key ways. First, it is a highly purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the two main types of omega-3 fatty acids [1]. Other omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, contain both EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [2].

Second, Vascepa has been shown in clinical trials to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in patients with high triglyceride levels [1]. Traditional omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, have not been shown to have the same level of cardiovascular benefit [2].

Third, Vascepa is available as a prescription medication, while traditional omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, are available over-the-counter [1].

In summary, Vascepa differs from traditional treatments for high triglyceride levels and cardiovascular disease risk reduction in that it is a highly purified form of EPA, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and is available by prescription.

Sources:

[1] "Vascepa (Icosapent Ethyl) Capsules, for Oral Use." DailyMed, National Library of Medicine, 2021, <https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=2d6d7e5e-9e8e-4e0e-81f5-e1a1f6f66e1a&type=display>.

[2] "Omega-3 Fatty Acids." National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018, <https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/omega3-fatty-acids>.

[3] "Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa) for the Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia." DrugPatentWatch, 2021, <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/icosapent-ethyl>.