Statin Drug may slow the progression of Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Recent study of cholesterol drug Lipitor shows that it can be helpful in treating MS patients. A statin drug, Lipitor reduced the development of brain legions in 55.3 percent of MS patients during the course of a study, compared to 27.6 percent of those patients who took a placebo. Of the 81 individuals in the study, some were randomly selected to take either 80 milligrams per day of the Lipitor (atorvastatin), whereas the others were given a placebo.
This data is preliminary, according to study co-leader Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant, associate professor of neurology at the MS Center at the University of California, San Francisco. These findings were part of a phase II multi-center trial, also supported by drug manufacturer Pfizer, Inc. It was decided that a study of a larger magnitude would be necessary in order to confirm that the positive effects of Lipitor on MS patients, as well as long term results.
Dr. Waubant also added that we need to conduct further research and studies in order to better understand the impact Lipitor would have on the progression of multiple sclerosis, so that they can better inform the patients and physicians of the effect of this drug. Lipitor is broadly used throughout the US and the world, and is relatively inexpensive. So it is prudent to ensure proper administration of the drug in order for it to be used as protocol for MS patients on a routine basis.
This data is preliminary, according to study co-leader Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant, associate professor of neurology at the MS Center at the University of California, San Francisco. These findings were part of a phase II multi-center trial, also supported by drug manufacturer Pfizer, Inc. It was decided that a study of a larger magnitude would be necessary in order to confirm that the positive effects of Lipitor on MS patients, as well as long term results.
Dr. Waubant also added that we need to conduct further research and studies in order to better understand the impact Lipitor would have on the progression of multiple sclerosis, so that they can better inform the patients and physicians of the effect of this drug. Lipitor is broadly used throughout the US and the world, and is relatively inexpensive. So it is prudent to ensure proper administration of the drug in order for it to be used as protocol for MS patients on a routine basis.
Posted by Gary at 4/27/2010 10:06 AM 
Categories: Multiple Scleroses Research
Tags: Multiple Sclerosis Reasearch News MS Treatments
Categories: Multiple Scleroses Research
Tags: Multiple Sclerosis Reasearch News MS Treatments
This is interesting. I have had high cholesterol and have been on Lipitor for about a year. I have been diagnosed with MS early this year, but I'm not that affected, I have some mobility issues, but I'm still able to get around.
I am taking Avonex too. I'll wait and see where this goes.
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