Further Data from Phase 2 Statins Trial in Progressive MS Show Effect on Cognition: Phase 3 Study Underway June 9, 2017 New data have been published from a completed phase 2 study of the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin in people with secondary progressive MS, indicating improvements in some aspects of cognitive function after 2 years among those given simvastatin. Previously reported results suggested that simvastatin reduced the rate of brain atrophy, or shrinkage. A large phase 3 trial of simvastatin is underway, with co-funding from the National MS Society and others, being led by Dr. Jeremy Chataway (University College London). Read more on the website of University College London Hospitals Read the scientific paper, and the accompanying editorial Read more about the phase 3 statins trial