Four studies published in June this year suggested that HMG CoA reductase inhibitors [statins], widely used in the treatment of patients with hypercholesterolaemia, might have a beneficial effect in promoting bone formation.*However, the results of further studies investigating the effects of statins on bone and as a potential treatment for osteoporosis disagree with those findings. The latest studies were presented at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [Toronto, Canada; September 2000].