Simvastatin (Zocor) Therapy in Sickle Cell Disease

Although statins have been used extensively for their cholesterol-lowering effects, recent clinical and experimental data indicate that statins regulate yet other processes, many of which play a major role in sickle cell disease (SCD). Independent of their cholesterol-lowering effects, statins have been shown to prevent damage to blood vessels in several ways, through upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO)and decreased inflammation. Numerous studies documenting the protective effects of statins, together with data showing the therapeutic role of NO in SCD, provide the basis for investigating the potential clinical benefit of simvastatin in SCD.

Data supporting the safety and tolerability of simvastatin in patients with SCD are now needed. For this phase I/II dose-escalation study of oral simvastatin in SCD, we propose the following specific aims:

• To obtain preliminary efficacy data on the effects of oral simvastatin on plasma biomarkers of endothelial injury in patients with SCD, and
• To assess the safety and tolerability of oral simvastatin in patients with SCD.

Inclusion criteria

• Established diagnosis of sickle cell disease (HbSS, SC or Sβ-thalassemia)
• Age greater than or equal to thirteen years
• Weight greater than or equal to 35 kg

Exclusion criteria

• Renal dysfunction (Serum Creatinine > 1.5 UNL)
• Hepatic dysfunction (ALT > 2X UNL)
• Pretreatment total cholesterol < 100 mg/dL or triglycerides < 30 mg/dL
• Pretreatment baseline creatine kinase >1X UNL (215 U/L)
• Pregnancy/lactation
• RBC transfusion in the last 30 days
• Vaso-Occlusive Event needing hospitalization in the past 30 days
• Treatment with any statin drugs within the past 30 days
• Treatment with drugs having known metabolic interactions with statin drugs (e.g. cytochrome P450 3A4 metabolism), including ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, niacin (nicotinic acid), digoxin, coumadin, sildenafil or amiodarone within the past 30 days
• Treatment (past or present) with amiodarone
• Musculoskeletal disorder associated with an elevated creatine kinase level
• Past or present history of substance abuse (alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, PCP)
• Allergy to statins