STAREE
STAtins in Reducing Events in the Elderly
STAREE is a world first randomised controlled trial, conducted by Universities across Australia, studying the effects of statins on healthy ageing.
The STAREE study is proudly funded by public health research grants. To reduce influence and bias, we do not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies. STAREE findings may directly benefit current and future generations of Australians.
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STAREE results are here
We are excited to share that the primary results of the STAREE trial have now been published. The study found that statin therapy reduces the risk of a first major heart attack or stroke by 30% in people aged over 70 living independently — the first randomised controlled trial evidence of its kind for this age group. Because the trial specifically studied people with no prior history of cardiovascular disease, it fills a critical gap in the evidence for primary prevention, showing that starting statins later in life can safely and effectively lower the risk of a major cardiovascular event for older people.
The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich on Saturday 29 August 2026, and published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Read the media release | Read the full paper
Thank you to our participants and the more than 3,400 GPs across Australia who made this landmark, ten-year study possible. If you are a STAREE participant with questions about the results or what they mean for you, please speak with your GP, or contact us on 1800 770 664 or at staree@monash.edu.
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About STAREE
STAREE is the world's first randomised controlled trial of statin therapy among apparently healthy elderly people living in the community.
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Clinical Trial Information
Learn about how clinical trials are run, and the important gaps in medical knowledge that they fill.
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Statins
Statins are a class of cholesterol lowering drug that may reduce decline in physical and mental function as well as reducing the incidence of heart disease, stroke and dementia.
