Updates

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published final draft guidance recommending icosapent ethyl to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes in adults with high levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat.

This means that approximately 425 000 people may now benefit from the first licensed treatment shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C - also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol) who are taking a statin and have raised triglyceride levels.

Triglycerides are our primary energy source and are necessary for good health. Too much in your blood can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. It can also harm arteries in organs like the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes.

Clinical trial evidence has suggested that for patients with raised triglycerides who have LDL-C levels controlled by statins, and who have cardiovascular disease, icosapent ethyl (also called Vazkepa and made by Amarin) reduces their risk of cardiovascular events by over a quarter compared with placebo.