The MS-STAT2 clinical trial has been designed to test the effectiveness of repurposed simvastatin in patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), to determine if the rate of disability progression can be slowed over a 3 year period.

While treatments in the early stage of MS (relapsing-remitting MS, or RRMS) have become increasingly effective, there remains no current disease-modifying treatment (DMT) for SPMS. An earlier study, MS-STAT1, used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to determine that patients taking simvastatin over a two year period resulted in a reduced rate of brain atrophy compared to those taking a placebo.  That study took place with 140 patients, whereas the MS-STAT2 trial will increase patient participation considerably to almost 1,200 in an effort to determine whether simvastatin can become a DMT for SPMS.

The MS-STAT2 trial is being coordinated by University College London, and has 24 active NHS Trusts or centres participating around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To date almost 380 patients have been screened, and new centres continue to open UK-wide.

Pictured – Professor Jeremy Chataway at UCL is leading the research

For anyone between 25 and 65 (inclusive) with SPMS, we would encourage you to visit the following page to register your interest if you would like to hear more about the trial: www.ms-stat2.info .