Omega-3 fatty acids API Manufacturers

General Description:

Omega-3 fatty acids, identified by CAS number 329042-31-1, is a notable compound with significant therapeutic applications. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with a double bond at the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain. The three types of omega-3 fatty acids involved in human physiology are α-linolenic acid (ALA) (found in plant oils), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (both commonly found in fish oil that originally come from microalgae that is further consumed by phytoplankton, a source of diet for fish). Omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in metabolism and cellular function and they are available as daily supplements. On September 8, 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave "qualified health claim" status to EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Therapeutic products containing omega-3 fatty acid and its derivatives for treatment of hypertriglyceridemia include Lovaza, Omtryg, Epanova, and Vascepa.

Indications:

This drug is primarily indicated for: Provided as daily supplements. Aa preparation of omega-3-acid ethyl esters is licensed in UK for prevention of recurrent events after myocardial infarction in addition to treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia. Its use in specific medical scenarios underscores its importance in the therapeutic landscape.

Metabolism:

Omega-3 fatty acids undergoes metabolic processing primarily in: ALA, DHA and EPA are metabolized and oxidized in the liver, which is the site of biosynthesis of n-3 fatty acid intermediates, synthesizing VLDL that transport fatty acids in the plasma to tissues. Major enzymes that generate lipid signalling molecules from EPA, DHA and ALA are lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenase. This metabolic pathway ensures efficient processing of the drug, helping to minimize potential toxicity and side effects.

Absorption:

The absorption characteristics of Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for its therapeutic efficacy: After ingestion, dietary lipids are hydrolyzed in the intestinal lumen. The hydrolysis products—monoglycerides and free fatty acids—are then incorporated into bile-salt– containing micelles and absorbed into enterocytes, largely by passive diffusion. The absorption rate is about 95%. Within intestinal cells, free fatty acids are primarily incorporated into chylomicrons and enter the circulation via the lymphatic system where they are delivered to various tissues for metabolism, oxidation and storage. The drug's ability to rapidly penetrate into cells ensures quick onset of action.

Half-life:

The half-life of Omega-3 fatty acids is an important consideration for its dosing schedule: Approximate half-life values in a compartmental study of ALA, EPA and DHA are 1h, 39-67h and 20h, respectively . This determines the duration of action and helps in formulating effective dosing regimens.

Volume of Distribution:

Omega-3 fatty acids is distributed throughout the body with a volume of distribution of: Vd of EPA is aproximately 82L. This metric indicates how extensively the drug permeates into body tissues.

Clearance:

The clearance rate of Omega-3 fatty acids is a critical factor in determining its safe and effective dosage: Clearance of EPA is approximately 757mL/h . It reflects the efficiency with which the drug is removed from the systemic circulation.

Pharmacodynamics:

Omega-3 fatty acids exerts its therapeutic effects through: Omega-3 fatty acids are triglycerides that get broken down into smaller fatty acid units. They act to reduce plasma triglyceride levels however increase the cholesterol levels and are thought to possess potent antiarrythmic effects. Polyunsaturated fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid mediate important cellular function such as inhibition of platelet function, prolongation of bleeding time, anti-inflammatory effects and reduction of plasma fibrinogen. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are components of the phospholipids that form the structures of the cell membranes and also serve as energy source. They form eicosanoids which are important signalling molecules with wide-ranging functions in the body's cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune and endocrine systems. DHA tends to exist in high concentrations in the retina, brain (via uptake by Mfsd2a as a transporter), and sperm. The drug's ability to modulate various physiological processes underscores its efficacy in treating specific conditions.

Mechanism of Action:

Omega-3 fatty acids functions by: Omega-3 fatty acids mediate anti-inflammatory effects and increased levels of EPA or DHA has shown to decrease the levels of PGE2 and 4 series-LT. Eicosapentaenoic acids compete with constitutive levels of arachidonic acid in cell membranes for the same desaturation enzymes and produce 3-series prostaglandins and thromboxanes, and 5-series leukotrienes which have low pro-inflammatory potential. The alteration in leukotriene biosynthesis due to higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids compared to arachidonic acid underlies the anti-inflammatory effects. EPA and DHA also give rise to resolvins and related lipid signalling molecules such as protectins via cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, which have anti-inflammatory effects. They inhibit transendothelial migration of neutrophils and inhibit TNF and IL-1β production. Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease adhesion molecule expression on leukocytes and on endothelial cells and decrease intercellular adhesive interactions. Omega-3 (or n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their metabolites are natural ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma that regulates inflammatory gene expression and NFκB activation. PPAR alpha activation is also associated with induction of COX-2 expression. The role of EPA and DHA in reducing triglyceride levels include inhibition of acyl-CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase, increased mitochondrial and peroxisomal-beta-oxidation in the liver, decreased lipogenesis in the liver, and increased plasma lipoprotein lipase activity. They also may reduce triglyceride synthesis because they are poor substrates for the enzymes responsible for TG synthesis, and EPA and DHA inhibit esterification of other fatty acids. This mechanism highlights the drug's role in inhibiting or promoting specific biological pathways, contributing to its therapeutic effects.

Toxicity:

Categories:

Omega-3 fatty acids is categorized under the following therapeutic classes: Dietary Fats, Dietary Fats, Unsaturated, Fats, Fatty Acids, Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Fatty Acids, Unsaturated, Fish Oils, Lipids, Membrane Lipids, Oils, Phospholipids. These classifications highlight the drug's diverse therapeutic applications and its importance in treating various conditions.