Overview
- Columbia University researchers report that certain statins latch onto the ryanodine receptor in muscle cells, prompting calcium leakage linked to pain and weakness.
- Using cryo-electron microscopy, the team captured the statin–protein interaction and mapped molecular details of the off-target binding.
- Lead investigator Andrew Marks says the mechanism likely explains symptoms for only a subset of patients and is exploring redesigned statins that avoid the receptor.
- Large analyses, including an Oxford Population Health study in The Lancet, indicate statins are not the cause of muscle pain in over 90% of reported cases, with nocebo and other factors often responsible.
- Guidance advises patients with unexplained muscle symptoms to seek medical evaluation, including possible CK testing and dose or drug changes, and not to stop statins abruptly; suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.