Lack of effects of simvastatin on smoking cessation in humans: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study

A recent pre-clinical study has shown that brain-penetrating statins can reduce risks of relapse to cocaine and nicotine addiction in rats. Based on this information, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial to assess the efficacy of simvastatin in smoking cessation. After informed consent, 118 participants received behavioral cessation support and were randomly assigned to a 3-month treatment with simvastatin or placebo. The primary outcome was biochemically verified abstinence or smoking reduction at 3-month post-target quit date (TQD). Secondary outcomes were abstinence during weeks 9–12 post-TQD, prolonged abstinence or reduction at months 6 and 12 post-TQD, safety and craving assessed at each visit during the 3-month period of treatment. Simvastatin treatment was not associated with higher 3-month abstinence or smoking reduction compared to placebo. There was no significant difference in any of the secondary outcomes. Simvastatin was well tolerated. Over 3 and 9 months follow-up period, 78% simvastatin and 69% placebo participants were retained in the study. At 6 and 12 months, smoking remained significantly reduced from baseline in both groups. Our results demonstrate that a 3-month simvastatin treatment (40 mg/day), added to individual behavioral cessation support, does not improve significantly smoking cessation compared to placebo in humans.