Blood cholesterol levels can be brought down by a thyroid-hormone-like substance that works specifically on the liver. Researchers, including scientists from Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet, have stated that this has no serious side effects.

A group of drug called statins treat high cholesterol levels in the blood, but it is not necessary that they are always sufficiently effective. Adverse reactions can be caused by higher doses.

The findings were concluded by a clinical trial, that noted blood cholestrole levels were reduced markedly by a novel drug substance called eprotirome in patients who have already received statins.

About 189 patients were put under trial for about three months.

Professor Bo Angelin, lead author of the study said, "This drug could help patients who react adversely to statins or be used as a supplementary treatment for those who don’t respond well to them."