Researchers uncover immune pathway behind statin-induced muscle pain

Researchers at McMaster University have pinpointed an immune-mediated pathway that explains why a subset of patients experience muscle pain, weakness, and reduced exercise capacity while taking statins. Their studies revealed that statins interfere with muscle cell metabolism, which in turn activates an inflammatory response leading to tissue damage. In laboratory and mouse models, inhibiting this immune reaction markedly lessened muscle injury, while leaving the drugs' cholesterol-lowering effect intact.

The findings challenge previous assumptions about statin side-effects and suggest that future drugs could protect muscles without diminishing cardiovascular protection. The project was a multinational effort, including partners in Lyon, France, and Melbourne, Australia, and received funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Results were reported in the journal Science Advances.