Effect of Vascepa on Improving Coronary Atherosclerosis in People With High Triglycerides Taking Statin Therapy

Effect of Vascepa on Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Persons with Elevated Triglycerides (200-499) on Statin Therapy. The study is to determine progression rates of low attenuation plaque under influence of Vascepa as compared to placebo.

Residual cardiovascular (CV) risk remains in dyslipidemic patients despite intensive statin therapy, underscoring the need for additional intervention. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is incorporated into membrane phospholipids and atherosclerotic plaques and exerts beneficial effects on the pathophysiologic cascade from onset of plaque formation through rupture. EPA also improves atherogenic dyslipidemia characterized by reduction of triglycerides without raising low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. All of this data supports the biologic plausibility of EPA as an anti-atherosclerotic agent. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether treatment with Vascepa (4 grams) results in a greater change from baseline in low attenuation plaque than placebo in subjects with elevated triglycerides (200-499 mg/dl).