Source: OmegaQuant
New findings from the REDUCE-IT study at the American Diabetes Association Congress
In June 2020, Prof. Dr. Deepak Bhatt presented new analyses of the REDUCE-IT study – a multi-year study on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in patients at cardiovascular risk – at the virtual annual conference of the American Diabetes Association.
Background of the study
More than half of the participants in the REDUCE-IT cohort suffered from type 2 diabetes. 91% of these individuals received at least one diabetes medication, and almost 50% received two or more. The study examined the effects of icosapent ethyl—a highly purified EPA preparation—compared to a placebo.
Statistical results at a glance
The analysis showed a 1.5-fold higher risk of cardiovascular events in participants with diabetes in the placebo arm. In the icosapent ethyl group, the absolute risk reduction for the first cardiovascular event was 7%. When considering all events, a reduction of 12.7% was observed.
Association between EPA levels and cardiovascular events
A statement from the American College of Cardiology emphasized that the observed effects strongly correlate with EPA concentrations in the blood. It appears that higher EPA levels, rather than a decrease in triglyceride levels, are the decisive factor.
Dr. Bhatt explained at the 2020 Congress:
"Changes in LDL, HDL, apoB, or CRP contribute only a small part to the overall effect. I think we're at a turning point—similar to the beginning of the statin era."
How exactly does icosapent ethyl work?
Despite the positive results, a crucial question remains: What is the exact mechanism of action? According to Dr. Bhatt, higher EPA levels during therapy were associated with a lower rate of heart attacks, strokes, resuscitations, heart failure, and cardiovascular deaths.
Results independent of the initial value
The study also examined whether baseline EPA levels—for example, due to dietary or genetic factors—influenced efficacy. The results showed comparable benefits regardless of initial EPA levels.
In addition, we analyzed whether the effects differed depending on the level of EPA achieved during treatment. Participants were divided into tertiles—three groups with low, medium, and high EPA levels.
The result: The higher the EPA level, the lower the risk of cardiovascular events – and even lower mortality rates.
Conclusion
The REDUCE-IT analysis highlights the potential association between blood levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular events. While research into the exact mechanisms continues, the data provide important insights for future therapeutic strategies in high-risk patients.