MS-STAT2
A clinical drug trial, testing whether a statin could be used to treat secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Condition(s)
- Multiple sclerosis
Project type
- Clinical drug trial
About the project
MS-STAT2 was a UK-wide phase 3 clinical drug trial that will test simvastatin, a drug used to lower cholesterol, in people with the secondary progressive form of MS (SPMS).
The research was led by Dr Jeremy Chataway, UCL Institute of Neurology, who led the phase 2 trial into simvastatin that was published in The Lancet in 2014. It involved 140 people with secondary progressive MS and found that those taking high doses of the drug (simvastatin) had a significant reduction in the rate of brain atrophy (brain shrinkage) over two years and also had better disability scores at the end of the study. The authors concluded that high doses of simvastatin might be a treatment option for SPMS in the future.
The aim of phase 3 of the MS-STAT trial was to establish definitively whether simvastatin is able to slow the rate of disability progression over a three-year period in people with SPMS.
The Anne Rowling Clinic recruited people from the Lothian area into the MS-STAT2 trial. The trial involved regular visits to the Anne Rowling Clinic to have neurological examinations, blood tests, walking distance tests and cognitive testing.
The results were announced on 20th September 2024. It was found that simvastatin did not slow the progression of disability.
Further information
MS-STAT2 Clinical Trial, University College London
Professor Jeremy Chattaway profile
MS-STAT2 trial results announcement (Sept 24)
Funders
Funder(s)
Publication(s)
N/A
Status
Contact
Eligibility criteria
Recruitment criteria are correct at the time of publishing.
People diagnosed with secondary progressive MS may be eligible if they:
- are aged between 25-65
- have an EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) of between 4.0 & 6.5 aided/unaided
- and are not currently taking a statin
Other eligibility criteria apply. Please get in touch to find out more.