The current understanding of the biology of COVID-19 is that patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) have a higher risk of infection. However, the mechanism of action and effects of VASCEPA is reportedly capable of mitigating the SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is according to Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ:AMRN), which is supporting an investigator-initiated trial evaluating the effects of icosapent ethyl (VASCEPA®) (IPE).
Under the leadership of Dr. Andrew P. Ambrosy, Associate Program Director for Research (Fellowship), the trial is under the sponsorship of Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). It is a christened PragMatic randomIzed Trial of Icosapent ethyl for hiGh-cArdiovascular risk adults in The Era of COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (MITIGATE COVID-19).
The Clinical Effects of VASCEPA are Multi-Factorial
VASCEPA has been clinically tested for over a decade and has been approved by the FDA for its unique cardiovascular risk reduction indication. It is the only FDA-approved drug known to lower the stubborn cardiovascular risks beyond statin therapy in millions of high-risk patients. As such, Amarin believes that it could play a beneficial role in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, thanks to its mechanisms of action.
MITIGATE COVID-19 will enroll in 1500 U.S. patients aged 50 years or older. They must have no prior history of confirmed COVID-19 but also have established ASCVD. They will receive 4 grams per day of icosapent ethyl (VASCEPA), and a steady follow up will be carried on them for at least six months. The follow up will be done through KPNC’s all-inclusive and advanced electronic health record system.
Amarin Has Planned Out Promotion and Educational Efforts
Patients would benefit from receiving precautionary healthcare solutions, particularly in these difficult moments when the world seems silenced by COVID-19. Amarin’s CEO John Thero says solutions will only come from demonstrated outcomes-based results from potential vaccines.
Before the onset of COVID-19, the company had prospects for a potential launch and expansion of promotion and educational efforts to various forms of media to raise the awareness of VASCEPA. It will restore close to $80 million to support this agenda. The good news is that most insurance policies cover VASCEPA.
