Icosapent ethyl is an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that reduces synthesis and enhances clearance of triglycerides that is used to treat patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. It is used as an adjunct therapy for severe hypertriglyceridemia (TG levels > 500 mg/dL) and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in certain patients with elevated triglycerides.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Studies suggest that EPA reduces hepatic very low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (VLDL-TG) synthesis and/or secretion and enhances TG clearance from circulating VLDL particles. Potential mechanisms of action include increased β-oxidation; inhibition of acyl-CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT); decreased lipogenesis in the liver; and increased plasma lipoprotein lipase activity.
- Primary indication
- Icosapent ethyl is indicated as an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalizing in adult patients with elevated triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL)...Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C22H34O2 · 330.5042 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2019 · United States, 2012 · European Union, 2021
- Also known as
- E-EPA · Eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester · Ethyl eicosapentaenoate · Ethyl EPA · ethyl icosapentate
- Code names
- AMR-101
- Brand names
Resolves to
SSQPWTVBQMWLSZ-AAQCHOMXSA-NSMILESCCOC(=O)CCC\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/CCWhat you can answer from here — as of July 03, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Icosapent ethyl, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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