Definition

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.