Last reviewed · How we verify
Ethyl Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA-E) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that reduces triglycerides and modulates inflammatory pathways.
Ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA-E) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that reduces triglycerides and modulates inflammatory pathways. Used for Major depressive disorder (investigational), Hypertriglyceridemia (potential).
At a glance
| Generic name | Ethyl Eicosapentaenoic Acid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ethyl EPA; icosapent ethyl |
| Sponsor | New York State Psychiatric Institute |
| Drug class | Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
EPA-E is a purified ethyl ester form of eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that lowers plasma triglycerides through inhibition of hepatic triglyceride synthesis and increased fatty acid oxidation. It also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids, which may benefit psychiatric and cardiovascular conditions.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder (investigational)
- Hypertriglyceridemia (potential)
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Fish-like aftertaste
- Bleeding risk (at high doses)
Key clinical trials
- Omega-3 Supplementation vs Demodex vs Eyelid Cleanser for Pediatric Chalazia (PHASE2)
- Pharmacokinetic Study of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Calcium L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) After Administration of CreNeuroS® CNS Fish Oil Plus Softgels in Healthy Subjects Under Fasting Conditions (NA)
- OMEGA - Dietary Intervention - COPD Trial (NA)
- Targeting Risk Factors for Diabetes in Subjects With Normal Blood Cholesterol Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids (NA)
- NUTRIBRAIN: Lifestyle Interventions to Prevent cOgnitive Deficits in Subjects With Depressive Symptoms: From mEchanisms to Clinical pRactice (POWER) (NA)
- Observing Metabolism of EPA With Consideration of Genetics And Sex (PHASE4)
- NUTRIMOOD-Inflammation and Depressive Comorbidity in Obesity: Modulation by Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Status (NA)
- Intravenous Fish Oil Based Lipid Emulsion to Enhance Recovery in High-Risk Cardiac Surgery Patients (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Ethyl Eicosapentaenoic Acid CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ethyl Eicosapentaenoic Acid updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- New York State Psychiatric Institute portfolio CI