Could a common cholesterol drug protect bones and hearts after spinal injury?

NCT ID NCT03113994

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether the statin drug rosuvastatin, taken daily with supplements, could improve bone density and reduce heart disease risk in adults with long-term spinal cord injury. Only 8 people enrolled before the trial was stopped early. Participants received either rosuvastatin or a placebo, plus coenzyme Q10, calcium, and vitamin D, for 12 months. The main goal was to see changes in knee bone density and cholesterol levels.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Rosuvastatin (a statin drug) plus coenzyme Q10, calcium, and vitamin D supplements

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce bone loss and heart disease risk in people with spinal cord injury.

What could go wrong

This was a very small, early-phase trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. Statins can cause muscle or liver problems, and the benefits seen may not apply to everyone.

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.

abdominal obesity-metabolic syndrome metabolic syndrome X osteoporosis spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University Health Network - Toronto Rehab Lyndhurst Centre

    Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3V9, Canada

  • University Of Miami Miller School of Medicine

    Miami, Florida, 33136, United States