title: ω-3 carboxylic acids for hypertriglyceridemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  ω-3 carboxylic acids (ω3 CA), also called ω3 free fatty acids (ω3 FFA), with the trade name Epanova™ is a new formulation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) approved for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia. The FFA form of EPA and DHA is associated with higher bioavailability than other forms of ω3 fatty acids, potentially resulting in efficacy at lower doses and less dependence on meal relationship.
  
  
  METHODS
  The efficacy and safety of ω3 CA from clinical trials as well as PK and PD data will be reviewed. The mechanism of action of ω3 fatty acids in the lowering of triglycerides (TG) will be discussed and comparison is made with ω3 ethyl ester compounds.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ω3 CA are a unique form of ω3 fatty acids that appear safe and effective in lowering serum TG and offer the possibility of better patient compliance due to lower-dose efficacy and the ability to take with or without food. ω3 CA lowered TG by 26 and 31% for the 2 and 4 g/day doses, respectively, and Apo CIII was also lowered 11 and 14%, respectively, as well.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology University of Cincinnati, Sterling Research Group , 375 Glensprings Dr. 2nd Floor, Cincinnati, OH 45246 USA +1 513 671 8080 ; +1 513 671 8090 eroth@sterlingresearch.org.
authors.forename: Eli M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Roth
mesh_terms: D001682:Biological Availability; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004952:Esters; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D004952:Esters; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D014280:Triglycerides; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid
keywords: DHA; EPA; Epanova; fish oil; triglycerides; ω-3; ω-3 carboxylic acids; ω-3 free fatty acids