A trial of high-dose icosapent ethyl for early COVID-19 has failed to show a benefit, although there was a trend to better outcomes with the substance, researchers report.

The omega-3 compound — a prescription oral form of  eicosapentaenoic acid — was trialled in 2052 Argentinian patients aged 40 or over who had tested positive for COVID-19 with no current need for hospitalisation.

All had experienced symptoms of the infection — fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or muscle aches — for seven days or less prior to study enrolment.

Participants were randomised to receive either icosapent ethyl (IPE), 8g daily for three days and then 4g daily to day 28, or to placebo, delegates to the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2021 virtual meeting were told.