and , (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ:AMRN) today highlighted in vitro data assessing the effects of EPA on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] oxidation and on cellular stress and inflammatory protein expression in endothelial cells and preliminary data showcasing the potential anti-inflammatory mechanism of icosapent ethyl (IPE) via modulation of nod-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome by monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). The data was presented at the 2025 in .
“These in vitro analyses provide additional insight into the mechanisms of action for VASCEPA/VAZKEPA, including the potential effect of reducing inflammation in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) as well as its reported impact on reducing cardiovascular (CV) events in at-risk patients with elevated Lp(a),” said , Ph.D., EVP, President of R&D, and Chief Scientific Officer at Amarin. “This data continues to advance understanding around potential underlying mechanisms of action for this molecule.”
The in vitro analyses and their key findings are outlined below:
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) modulates inflammasome activation in monocyte-derived macrophages isolated from individuals with and without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)
This analysis evaluated anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action of IPE, a purified form of EPA, that may be associated with cardiovascular risk reduction beyond triglyceride lowering.
Researchers focused on monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), which are thought to contribute to ASCVD progression in part via P2X7 receptor-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and impairment of autophagy.
Key findings suggest that EPA may reduce extracellular ATP release and caspase 1 activation in stimulated MDMs from individuals with and without ASCVD. The analysis presents novel preliminary evidence that EPA may protect against inflammation in ASCVD by modulating the ATP-P2X7 axis and downstream NLRP3 activation in MDMs.
“These findings offer compelling preliminary evidence that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may play a protective role against inflammation in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. By modulating the ATP-P2X7 axis and downstream NLRP3 inflammasome activation in monocyte-derived macrophages, EPA demonstrates potential mechanisms of cardiovascular risk reduction that extend beyond triglyceride lowering,” said Professor , Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Director of the Cardiovascular Research Program at (ULHT). “This promising data suggest that EPA’s benefits may extend beyond triglyceride lowering, potentially influencing autophagy and inflammasome activity in ways that could meaningfully reduce cardiovascular risk.”
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Inhibited Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] Oxidation and its Effects on Expression of Oxidative Stress and Pro-Inflammatory Proteins in Endothelial Cells
Elevated Lp(a) is associated with an increased risk for ASCVD and aortic valve stenosis. Lp(a) is a major carrier of oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs). Atherogenic mechanisms for Lp(a) include increased endothelial dysfunction linked to its oxPL content.
This analysis assessed the effects of EPA on attenuation of Lp(a) oxidation and the effects of Lp(a) ± EPA on protein expression in endothelial cells during conditions of oxidative stress. Results showed that EPA attenuated Lp(a) oxidation and its effects on oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory protein expression.
IPE/EPA was reported to reduce CV events in high-risk patients with elevated Lp(a). Mechanistic insights suggest that EPA inhibits lipoprotein oxidation by a potent lipid-centric scavenging mechanism. By inhibiting Lp(a) oxidation, EPA may reduce its effects on endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
About Amarin
Amarin is an innovative pharmaceutical company leading a new paradigm in cardiovascular disease management. We are committed to increasing the scientific understanding of the cardiovascular risk that persists beyond traditional therapies and advancing the treatment of that risk for patients worldwide. Amarin has offices in in , in , in , and other countries in as well as commercial partners and suppliers around the world.
About VASCEPA®/VAZKEPA® (icosapent ethyl) Capsules
The effect of VASCEPA on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined.
For further information about the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for VAZKEPA in , please visit: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/vazkepa-epar-product-information_en.pdf
Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including beliefs about Amarin’s key achievements in 2024 and the potential impact and outlook for achievements in 2025 and beyond; Amarin’s 2025 financial outlook and cash position; Amarin’s overall efforts to expand access and reimbursement to VAZKEPA across global markets; expectations regarding potential strategic collaboration and licensing agreements with third parties, including our ability to attract additional collaborators, as well as our plans and strategies for entering into potential strategic collaboration and licensing agreements and the overall potential and future success of VASCEPA/VAZKEPA and Amarin that are based on the beliefs and assumptions and information currently available to Amarin. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks associated with an investment in Amarin can be found in Amarin’s filings with the , including Amarin’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ending and annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 2024. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Amarin undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. Amarin’s forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of significant transactions the company may enter into, such as mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures or any material agreements that Amarin may enter into, amend or terminate. Investors and others should note that Amarin communicates with its investors and the public using the company website (www.amarincorp.com), the investor relations website (www.amarincorp.com/investor-relations) including but not limited to investor presentations and investor FAQs, filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts
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