Emulsion and emulsion preconcentrate compositions comprising omega-3 fatty acids and uses thereof

Abstract

Novel compositions comprising omega-3 fatty acids and uses thereof are disclosed.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method of treating hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease (CHD), vascular disease, atherosclerotic disease and a related condition of the atherosclerotic disease, a cardiovascular event or a vascular event, said method comprising:
 administering an emulsion preconcentrate composition to a subject in need thereof;   wherein the emulsion preconcentrate composition comprises an omega-3 fatty acid oil and a surfactant.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein with contact with an aqueous liquid, the emulsion preconcentrate composition forms an emulsion having a median particle size of from about 100 nm to about 3 μm. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the emulsion preconcentrate composition comprises:
 from about 60 to about 85 wt % of the omega-3 fatty acid oil; and   from about 15 to about 40 wt % of a surfactant;   
       based on the total weight of the omega-3 fatty acid oil and the surfactant in the composition. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the surfactant is selected from polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the emulsion preconcentrate composition is administered to provide an amount of the omega-3 fatty acid oil of from about 0.1 g to about 10 g per day. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the omega-3 fatty acid oil comprises at least 40% by weight of one or more omega-3 fatty acids. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the omega-3 fatty acid oil comprises at least 50% by weight of eicosapentaenoic acid C20:5 (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid C22:6 (DHA). 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the blood serum level of total eicosapentaenoic acid C20:5 (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid C22:6 (DHA) is increased. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the disease or condition is a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) or a major coronary event (MCE).