An emerging area of investigation in asthma and chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) is use of statins. The basis for this interest is epidemiological data linking statin use with improvements in lung function and health, and reductions in asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Specific areas where researchers have identified improvements include intubation rates, and forced vital capacity.
Animal and in vitro studies suggest that statins have potential anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. These effects might soothe the raging beast that is asthma. To date, researchers have structured and conducted clinical trials using statins in asthma patients, and while we still await the results, this avenue of research looks promising.