Ethyl all cis-5,8,11,14,17-Eicosapentaenoate

Absorption

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.

Toxicity

Icosapent ethyl is generally well tolerated and adverse effects are unrelated to treatment.

Description

Ethyl icosapentate is an ester of a polyunsaturated acid derived from fish oil. It is reported to decrease platelet aggregation, reduce blood viscosity and increase erythrocyte deformability.

Chemical properties

Clear Colourless Oil

Originator

Nippon Suisan (Japan)

The Uses of Ethyl all cis-5,8,11,14,17-Eicosapentaenoate

Important polyunsaturated fatty acid of the marine food chain that serves as a precursor for the prostaglandin-3 and thromboxane-3 families. It differs from arachidonic acid (the eicosatetraenoic acid that is a precursor for the prostaglandin and thromboxane-2 families) by the extra double bond between the third and fourth carbons from the “methyl end” of the molecule. Antilipemic.

The Uses of Ethyl all cis-5,8,11,14,17-Eicosapentaenoate

hypolipidemic

The Uses of Ethyl all cis-5,8,11,14,17-Eicosapentaenoate

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester is an important polyunsaturated fatty acid of the marine food chain that serves as a precursor for the prostaglandin-3 and thromboxane-3 families. It differs from arachidonic acid (the eicosatetraenoic acid that is a precursor for the prostaglandin and thromboxane-2 families) by the extra double bond between the third and fourth carbons from the “methyl end” of the molecule. Antilipemic.

Indications

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) and established cardiovascular disease or who have diabetes mellitus and ≥2 other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It is also indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia.

Background

Icosapent ethyl or ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid is a synthetic derivative of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). 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. FDA approved on July 26, 2012.

Definition

ChEBI: A long-chain fatty acid ethyl ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-icosapentaenoic acid with the hydroxy group of ethan l.

brand name

Omacor (Reliant).

brand name

Epadel

Metabolism

Once converted into active EPA, it is hepatically metabolized into acetyl Coenzyme A via beta-oxidation.