• Frequency of adverse events and serious adverse events [ Time Frame: Throughout study ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  
• Change in laboratory parameters [ Time Frame: Through Week 12 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Reduction in mean log C-reactive protein (CRP) [ Time Frame: Through Week 12 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• Reduction of disease activity, measured by the disease activity score 28 (DAS28)-CRP [ Time Frame: Through Week 12 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Percentage of patients achieving the American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) response criteria [ Time Frame: At Week 12 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in rheumatoid factor (RF) titer [ Time Frame: Through Week 12 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) titer [ Time Frame: Through Week 12 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Change in autoreactive B cells and serum cytokines after treatment with lovastatin [ Time Frame: Throughout study ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Functional effect of lovastatin on mevalonate-dependent and -independent pathways [ Time Frame: Throughout study ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of peripheral joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and warmth. The inflammation may cause progressive joint damage and destruction, resulting in deformity and loss of function. Both traditional and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been prescribed for RA patients to control existing inflammatory symptoms and affect long-term prognosis. However, DMARD use is expensive, and the long-term safety of DMARDs is unknown. Lovastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a statin) used to lower levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. The purpose of this study is to examine the safety and efficacy of lovastatin in controlling inflammation in individuals with RA who have mildly active RA disease despite treatment.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study arms. Arm A will receive 80 mg lovastatin daily for 12 weeks; Arm B will receive placebo.

There will be four study visits over the 12 weeks. At each visit, a physical exam, vital signs measurement, medication history, a pregnancy test (if applicable), and blood collection will occur. Additional safety blood testing will occur at Week 2. Tender and swollen joint counts and a physician global assessment will occur at study entry and Week 12. Participants will also be asked to complete self-assessments at study entry and Week 12.