Simvastatin modulates mouse embryonic stem cell-derived chondrogenesis in vitro

► Embryotoxic effects of simvastatin were analyzed during ES cell-differentiation. ► Simvastatin enhances chondrogenesis but impaired cartilage nodules. ► The effect could be brought about by affecting apoptosis. ► ES cell-derived EBs are a useful in vitro model to screen for embryotoxic effects.