(icosapent) The free fatty acid (FFA) form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acid found in fish oil with a 20-carbon backbone and 5 double bonds, with potential supplementing, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, immunomodulating, anti-angiogenic and chemopreventive activities. Upon administration of icosapent, the free form of EPA is incorporated in cell membrane phospholipids and replaces arachidonic acid. This inhibits arachidonic acid conversion into thromboxanes and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Upon oral administration of icosapent, the EPA-FFA prevents and suppresses colonic neoplasia and reduces polyp formation and growth through as of yet not fully elucidated mechanisms.

A class of polyunsaturated fatty acids with 20 carbons and 5 double bonds.

An essential, polyunsaturated, 20-carbon omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and potential antineoplastic and chemopreventive activities. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may activate caspase 3, resulting in apoptosis in susceptible tumor cell populations. In addition, this agent may inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and prostaglandin-mediated inflammatory processes.

Important polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oils. It serves as the precursor for the prostaglandin-3 and thromboxane-3 families. A diet rich in eicosapentaenoic acid lowers serum lipid concentration, reduces incidence of cardiovascular disorders, prevents platelet aggregation, and inhibits arachidonic acid conversion into the thromboxane-2 and prostaglandin-2 families.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid with 20 carbons and 5 double bonds at the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th carbons from the methyl end.