The question in my mind is, "Do they really need 96% EPA?"
On May 8th, Kaylawa offered this leadoff on iHub "What the heck are those clowns at Omthera up to now?" She followed by identifying a Patent Application from Omthera seeking protection for a method of treating resistance to antiplatelet therapy, such as treatment with Clopidogrel . The new treatment involves adjunctive administration of Omega-3 fatty acids in various concentrations and specifically identifies VASCEPA by name in one embodiment. Kay also provided the LINK to the application.
That day, I sent a query to Amarin making them aware of Kays' DD and requesting feedback regarding the impact of this patent activity by Omthera. Specifically, I asked if the company could take action to protect ownership of Vascepa for other currently unclaimed uses or, whether it was even worth being considered. The anti-inflammatory action was foremost in my mind. True to form, I received no acknowledgement and no reply to my question.
Today I have to admit that my level of concern has now risen by an order of magnitude. What troubles me is whether those of us who are long AMRN really are missing the forest for the trees? For quite some time now, we've been elated by the breadth of potential indications for Vascepa, especially due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Can AZN be initiating a giant end run with the Omthera product by focusing on securing patent protections not contemplated by Anchor? If they are first to file claims more specifically related to anti-inflammatory benefits, does Vascepa lose out to their Omega-3? Is Vascepa/Amarin protected from this angle of attack based on the existing wall of patents granted?
Remember, EPA is the prize....whether 50%, 80% or 96%. I don't know Patent Law, but AZN must have a really good reason to justify moving in this direction. Anybody see any relevance here?
