After Decades of Mystery, Scientists Finally Have an Answer for This Painful Statin Side Effect.
Men's Health
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the cause of muscle pain and weakness caused by statins, a common medication used to treat high cholesterol. For decades, up to 10% of patients taking statins experienced severe side effects, leading some to discontinue use despite the risks to their heart health. A recent study published in *The Journal of Clinical Investigation* reveals that statins bind to a protein called RyR1, which regulates calcium flow in muscle cells. This binding causes prolonged opening of calcium channels, potentially weakening muscles or triggering breakdown enzymes.
Using mice with a genetic mutation linked to statin intolerance and cryo-electron microscopy, researchers observed how statins interacted with RyR1 at the molecular level. They found that simvastatin, a common statin, bound to the protein's pore region, keeping calcium channels open longer than usual. This overactivation may lead to muscle pain or even rare conditions like rhabdomyolysis. The study highlights the need for better treatments to manage these side effects without compromising cardiovascular benefits.
A potential solution has emerged in the form of Rycal, a drug already used for rare muscle disorders. In experiments, mice given both statins and Rycal showed no signs of muscle weakness. Further analysis revealed that Rycal stabilized RyR1, preventing prolonged calcium flow. This finding could pave the way for combining statins with Rycal to reduce side effects while maintaining their heart-protective benefits.
For patients struggling with statin-induced pain, this research offers hope. Statins are critical for reducing cardiovascular risk, but their side effects often force people to stop taking them. By addressing the root cause of muscle issues,
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Originally published on Men's Health on 2/23/2026