Catch of the Day: Icosapent Ethyl for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk

For decades, omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) have been utilized for their cardioprotective effects. Although several prescription products are available, icosapent ethyl (IPE) is the only pure, eicosapentaneoic acid (EPA)-only, O3FA product. Initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in patients with TG levels ≥500 mg/dL, the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl–Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) demonstrated that IPE reduces cardiovascular events in patients with either established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or diabetes mellitus plus ≥2 ASCVD risk factors, a TG level between 135 mg/dL and 499 mg/dL, and who were taking a statin.