Slowing the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis with Statins

This article was originally published on the Specialty Pharmacy Times website.

Results of the phase-2 MS-STAT trial indicate that the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin may reduce the progression of brain atrophy in patients with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).

SPMS is a subtype of multiple sclerosis that occurs after the initial phase of MS, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). RRMS includes relapsing episodes punctuated by gradual worsening in the baseline symptoms of the disease.

Over approximately 25 years, RRMS progresses to SPMS in approximately 90% of patients. In patients with SPMS, relapses are superimposed over progressively worsening baseline symptoms between each relapse.

Until now, no treatment has shown a definitive effect on slowing the course of disease progression in patients with SPMS. The phase-2 MS-STAT trial included 140 patients with SPMS between the ages of 18 and 65. Patients received 80 mg of simvastatin daily (n = 70) or placebo (n = 70). Over the trial course, assessments of efficacy occurred at months 1, 6, 12, and 24.

In a press release, lead author Dr Jeremy Chataway noted the primary endpoint, stating, "Our main measure of success was to reduce the rate of brain atrophy."

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