Given the elevated prevalence of cardio-metabolic diseases in South Asian populations, investigating statin-related adverse reactions in this group is paramount. The study, funded by NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre and Barts Charity, utilizes patient data from Genes & Health—an initiative by Queen Mary that recruited over 55,000 South Asian research volunteers from East London, Manchester, and Bradford.

The research unveils a specific genetic variant associated with heightened statin exposure, independently linked to a reduced risk of early-onset cataracts. Present in roughly one in twelve participants, this variant is more prevalent among individuals of European ancestry.

Dr. Emma Magavern from Queen Mary University of London underscores the study's significance, stating, "This groundbreaking research, utilizing genetic markers of statin exposure, establishes a connection between statin use and cataracts. The identified genetic variant, linked to increased statin exposure, independently correlates with a lower risk of early-onset cataracts. Previous observational studies suggesting a link between statin use and increased cataracts may be attributed to shared risk factors between statin indications and cataracts."

In essence, the study challenges prior assertions about statins causing cataracts and proposes that individuals with the identified genetic variant, associated with heightened statin exposure, exhibit a decreased risk of developing cataracts.