Pneumonia drug trial aims to protect arteries from hidden damage

This study tests whether a drug called icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) can reduce inflammation in the arteries of people hospitalized with pneumonia. Pneumonia can trigger body-wide inflammation that may harm blood vessels. Researchers will give 168 adults either Vascepa or a placebo twice daily for 6 months and use special scans to measure artery inflammation. The goal is to see if this approach can lower the risk of future heart problems.