Could a cholesterol drug boost reading skills in kids with NF1?

NCT ID NCT02964884

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether combining the medication lovastatin with intensive reading tutoring can improve reading abilities in children and young adults (ages 8-20) with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) who have reading disabilities. Participants first receive either lovastatin or a placebo daily for 12 weeks, then undergo one week of specialized reading or sham tutoring. The goal is to see if the medication enhances the brain's response to tutoring by targeting a protein deficiency linked to learning and memory in NF1.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Lovastatin

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a treatment that combines medication with tutoring to improve reading skills in children with NF1.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2 study with a small number of participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Lovastatin may cause side effects like muscle pain or digestive issues.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dyslexia learning disability neurofibromatosis type 1 reading disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Vanderbilt University

    Nashville, Tennessee, United States