Sign in Subscribe
Antilipemic agents

New Study Reveals Simvastatin Fails to Halt Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research from University College London (UCL) has shed light on the efficacy of simvastatin in treating secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Despite the promising results of its predecessor, the MS-STAT trial, the latest study, MS-STAT2, has found that simvastatin does not slow down disability progression in SPMS patients. The trial involved 964 participants, with 482 receiving simvastatin and 482 receiving a placebo. The study's findings have significant implications for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and highlight the need for further research into effective therapies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MS-STAT2 trial, a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, was conducted to assess the efficacy of simvastatin in slowing disability progression in SPMS patients.
  • The trial involved 964 participants, with 482 receiving simvastatin and 482 receiving a placebo. The participants were aged 18-65 years, and the primary outcome was time to 6-month EDSS confirmed disability progression.
  • The adjusted hazard ratio for the simvastatin group was 1.13 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.39), indicating no significant treatment effect.
  • The trial showed no emergent safety issues, but there were two serious adverse reactions: one in the simvastatin group (rhabdomyolysis) and one in the placebo group (cardiovascular serious adverse event).
  • The researchers concluded that the MS-STAT2 trial did not show a treatment effect of simvastatin in slowing disability progression in SPMS.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Lancet.
  • Additional information can be obtained by contacting Jeremy Chataway, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology.
  • The study was conducted in collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Technology Assessment Programme, UK Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Statistics:

  • 964 participants were involved in the MS-STAT2 trial, with 482 receiving simvastatin and 482 receiving a placebo.
  • The participants were aged 18-65 years, with a mean age of 54 years.
  • 173 (36%) of 482 participants in the placebo group and 192 (40%) of 482 participants in the simvastatin group had 6-month confirmed disability progression.
  • The adjusted hazard ratio for the simvastatin group was 1.13 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.39), indicating no significant treatment effect.
  • The trial showed no emergent safety issues, but there were two serious adverse reactions: one in the simvastatin group (rhabdomyolysis) and one in the placebo group (cardiovascular serious adverse event).

Sources:

  • "Effect of repurposed simvastatin on disability progression in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS-STAT2): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." Lancet, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Research from University College London (UCL) Reveals New Findings on Multiple Sclerosis [Effect of repurposed simvastatin on disability progression in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS-STAT2): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, ...]. Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 5371.

Read more