Prescription omega-3 carboxylic acids for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia

The role of omega-3 (OM3) fatty acids in the reduction of elevated triglycerides is well recognized. This has prompted the development of concentrated OM3 drugs for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, a condition that may increase risk for cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. Intestinal absorption of currently available OM3 ethyl ester drugs depends on the activity of pancreatic lipases, largely stimulated by dietary fat. As many patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia are advised to minimize fat intake, there is a need for a product with high bioavailability, irrespective of meal timing and fat content. This review will discuss a novel OM3 carboxylic acid drug (Epanova®, AstraZeneca, DE, USA) that has been approved as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia.