Atorvastatin Monotherapy Not Beneficial for Delaying Multiple Sclerosis

Statin medications have a plethora of effects, including immunomodulation, as previously demonstrated in animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this phase II, investigator-initiated, NIH-sponsored trial, researchers examined whether atorvastatin could delay a second relapse in the first year after presentation with a first demyelinating event and an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan consistent with a clinically isolated syndrome. The primary endpoint was a second clinical event or ≥3 new brain MRI T2 lesions; those with a second event were offered weekly interferon beta-1a.

The trial was halted because of slow recruitment after 82 of the planned 152 participants were randomized to placebo or 80 mg of atorvastatin. The grou…