Sourced from krill oil, CaPre® sought to reduce triglycerides while also potentially providing beneficial effects on LDL-C and HDL-C in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Since 2008, Acasti Pharma has focused on addressing a critical market need for an effective, safe and well-absorbing omega-3 therapeutic that can make a positive impact on the major blood lipids associated with cardiovascular disease risk.

Approximately 60% of omega-3s in CaPre are naturally bound to phospholipids and the rest are "free" fatty acids - both forms are more efficiently absorbed.

Pharmaceutical omega-3s derived from fish oils currently on the market, by contrast, are typically "esterified," meaning the triglycerides are removed and the omega-3s are chemically linked to ethyl esters, derivatives not found in nature. For optimal bioavailability of esterified omega-3s, patients must consume the product with a fatty meal. However, hypertriglyceridemic patients are typically advised to follow low fat diets. The bioavailability of CaPre was not meaningfully affected by the fat content of a meal consumed prior to drug administration, enabling patients with hypertriglyceridemia to remain on track with their physician-recommended diet.