Amarin Corp Plc (AMRN)

[jessellivermore]

BioC

Here is my take on the whole situation.

First of all although statins lower LDL-C, I do not believe that in cases where they lower CVD risk, the effect comes from lowering the cholesterol, at least not directly. My opinion is based on the JUPITER trial. JUPITER was a statin (Crestor) outcomes trial, and since the modern drug era which began in 2007, JUPITER is the only statin trial which has shown CVD benefits. JUPITER showed benefits as both a primary and secondary treatment for CVD. This was interesting, because three previous trials using Crestor did not show benefits. The difference in the JUPITER trial is that JUPITER selected patients who did not have elevated LDL-Cs,..that's right, I said, they did not have elevated LDL-Cs, What they did have was elevated CRPs. CRP is a biomarker for chronic systemic inflammation.

So how did this work...Well the only possible explanation here turns out to be the explanation that makes the most sense. Cardiovascular disease is caused by inflammation of the walls of the arterial blood vessels. Though other outside agents, like LDL-C, or trigs probably aggravate the situation, controlling the underlying disease process is the best way to control the disease.

The fact is statins, or at least Crestor have anti inflammatory properties. Vascepa also has anti inflammatory properties. So what might be the real value of Vascepa? Paradoxically, the cholesterol lowering effects of statins might actually be their weak point. Cholesterol is utilized in many ways, it is an important structural component of cell membranes, is used in hormones, in neural transmission, and muscle function. Statins block the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, and in higher statin doses produces the effects on muscle, memory loss, cognition and other systems. Vascepa also is effective as an anti inflammatory agent, but it has considerably fewer side effects, as it does not block the production of a substance vital to many body systems.

Vascepa's role could be as a stand alone anti inflammatory agent for CVD and many other degenerative diseases. I could be a useful add on to statins, either to expand their effectiveness, or to reduce the required dose and avoid statin side effects..

Regards..":>) JL