The lipid lowering drug cerivastatin had a more marked effect in women than in men in a study recently reported from Scandinavia. In the study, which was carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of a 400mg dose of cerivastatin, low density lipoprotein cholesterol fell by 44 per cent in women (n=102) and 37 per cent in men (n=200) (P<0.046). "To date, we are not aware of such a marked difference being demonstrated with any other statin," said study investigator Leiv Ose, who presented the data at a cardiovascular disease meeting in Venice. "We currently have no clear rationale for the effect, but will continue to investigate why this may occur," Dr Ose added.