Methods of treating hypertriglyceridemia

Abstract

In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related disease and, in particular, a method of blood lipid therapy comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising eicosapentaenoic acid or a derivative thereof.

1 . A method of lowering high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in a subject in need thereof comprising, administering to the subject daily (a) about 4 g of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least 96% pure ethyl-EPA and (b) a statin. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition contains substantially no DHA or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the subject has a triglyceride level of 500 mg/dl to about 2000 mg/dl. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the subject has a triglyceride level of 750 mg/dl to about 2000 mg/dl. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the subject is diabetic. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said administration is continued for a period of at least 12 weeks. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the subject exhibits at least a 20% reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein after the period of at least 12 weeks compared to baseline. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the subject exhibits at least a 35% reduction in fasting triglycerides compared to baseline and no statistically significant increase in LDL 
     
     
         9 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of at least 96% pure E-EPA and an HMG-CoA inhibitor for use in reducing hsCRP in patients with TGs above 500 mg/dl.