Tesamorelin, a growth hormone–releasing hormone analogue, reduced visceral adiposity and improved lipid profiles among HIV-infected patients in a multicenter clinical trial.
HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy have high rates of metabolic and body-fat abnormalities — such as increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT), decreased subcutaneous fat, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance — which may increase risk for cardiovascular events. In small studies, growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) improved fat distribution in HIV-infected patients (JAMA 2004; 292:210, AIDS 2005; 19:1279). Now, investigators report the results of a randomized, industry-funded, placebo-controlled study of daily subcutaneous tesamorelin, a GHRH analogue, in 412 HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation (i.e., large waist circumference and high waist-to-hip ratio).
After 26 weeks, patients who received tesamorel…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)