Common statin may ward off liver failure in veterans

NCT ID NCT03654053

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether simvastatin, a drug typically used for cholesterol, can reduce the risk of liver complications in veterans with compensated cirrhosis (scarred but symptom-free liver). About 142 participants will take either simvastatin or a placebo nightly for several years. The goal is to see if the drug delays or prevents serious events like internal bleeding, fluid buildup, or liver cancer.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Simvastatin

What this could lead to

If it works, this could show that a common cholesterol drug helps prevent serious liver complications in people with early-stage cirrhosis.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage trial with only 142 participants, all U.S. veterans, so results may not apply to everyone. Simvastatin can cause muscle pain or liver issues in some people.

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.

cirrhosis of liver Fibrosis hepatocellular carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brooklyn Campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY

    Brooklyn, New York, 11209, United States

  • Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-4551, United States

  • Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA

    Richmond, Virginia, 23249, United States

  • James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY

    The Bronx, New York, 10468, United States

  • Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • Philadelphia MultiService Center, Philadelphia, PA

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19106, United States

  • Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, KY

    Louisville, Kentucky, 40206, United States

  • San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA

    San Francisco, California, 94121, United States

  • VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02130, United States

  • VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT

    West Haven, Connecticut, 06516, United States

  • VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA

    Seattle, Washington, 98108, United States