Inexpensive statins new hope to MS sufferers

An inexpensive cholesterol- lowering pill may offer new hope to patients with progressing multiple sclerosis (MS), research suggests.

Findings from a Phase II patient trial show that a high daily dose of simvastatin can stave off nerve damage linked to worsening symptoms. A month’s supply of 20mg simvastatin costs less than €10.

Patients in the MS trial were randomly assigned to treatment with either an 80mg dose of the drug or a dummy placebo pill.