Icosapent ethyl or ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid is a synthetic derivative of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It is used as adjunct therapy for severe hypertriglyceridemia (TG levels > 500 mg/dL). FDA approved on July 26, 2012. (en)
# Ballantyne CM, Braeckman RA, Soni PN: Icosapent ethyl for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2013 May 24. "Pubmed":http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23701295 # FDA label (en)
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. (en)
Icosapent ethyl is de-esterfied, converted into active EPA, and then absorbed in the small intestine. It reaches peak plasma concentration in 5 hours post-oral administration. Very little (<1%) is left circulating in the plasma as EPA incorporates into phospholipids, TG's, and cholesteryl esters. (en)