Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, but it must be tightly regulated. The study finds that statins force a channel into an open state, creating a persistent leak that stresses muscle fibers and leads to damage over time. Explaining the molecular chain from drug to symptom gives scientists a way to separate the cholesterol-lowering action from the harmful effect on muscle, which opens a path to redesigned drugs or protective treatments.
For anyone taking statins or caring for someone who does, this work points toward safer options without losing the heart-protecting benefits. The finding also touches on a bigger question: how can we preserve the parts of a drug that save lives while removing the parts that cause harm? Follow the link to see how researchers traced the problem back to a single protein and what that means for future medicines, patient choices, and more inclusive treatment strategies.
Statins are a cornerstone of heart health, but muscle pain and weakness cause many patients to quit taking them. Scientists have now identified the precise molecular trigger behind these side effects. They found that statins jam open a critical muscle protein, causing a toxic calcium leak. The discovery could lead to safer statins that keep their life-saving benefits without the muscle damage.
