Calcium Gate Leak Behind Statin-Related Muscle Pain, Study Finds
A new study links statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) to calcium leaking into muscle cells via the RyR1 channel when statins bind to it, a finding observed in mice using cryo-EM. This mechanism explains why about 10% of statin users experience muscle pain and suggests two potential remedies: redesign statins to avoid RyR1 binding or use Rycal drugs to close the calcium gates and prevent muscle weakness.