Patients with MS may benefit from statins

Cholesterol-lowering statins could be effective against late stage multiple sclerosis (MS).

MS is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the layer of tissue that protects nerves in the brain; this can disrupt messages travelling along those nerves. Around 40 patients with the later stage of MS, known as Secondary Progressive MS or SPMS, are taking part in a trial at University College London where they will take statins, or a placebo, daily for up to 17 weeks.

The theory is that statins may help by improving the function of blood vessels in the brain.