The FDA has approved a new omega-3 supplement for the treatment of adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia, defined as triglyceride levels 500 mg\/dL or higher. The drug, which will be marketed under the brand name of Epanova, is manufactured by\u00a0AstraZeneca, which acquired the drug when it purchased Omthera Pharmaceuticals in 2013.<\/p>\n
AstraZeneca\u00a0said<\/a>\u00a0that Epanova is the first omega-3 formulation approved by the FDA in free fatty acid form. Epanova will be available in 1-g capsules and has been approved for 2-g and 4-g dosages, which can be taken with or without food.<\/p>\n There are currently two other prescription formulations of omega-3 supplements: Lovaza from GSK and Vascepa from Amarin Pharmaceuticals. All three are approved only for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia. Last year the FDA turned down a request from Amarin to allow an expanded use of Vascepa in people with more common forms of dyslipidemia. The expanded indication for Vascepa is now being studied in the ongoing\u00a0REDUCE-IT<\/a>\u00a0trial, which is scheduled to enroll 8000 patients.<\/p>\n