Cholesterol-lowering drugs, widely used to reduce the risk of heart attack, could also be effective in treating multiple sclerosis, according to new research published on Friday.

The news underscores the reputation of statins as potential miracle pills to rival aspirin.

Already hailed for revolutionizing the management of heart disease, the drugs -- which will soon be available over the counter in Britain -- are also being studied in the fight against Alzheimer's disease (news - web sites) and osteoporosis.

Yahoo! News - Cholesterol Drugs Promising for Multiple Sclerosis