Reduction in visceral adiposity is associated with an improved metabolic profile in HIV-infected patients receiving tesamorelin.

Background: Tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue, decreases visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by 15%-20% over 6-12 months in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated abdominal adiposity, but it is unknown whether VAT reduction is directly associated with endocrine and metabolic changes.

Methods: In 2 phase III, randomized, double-blind studies, men and women with HIV-associated abdominal fat accumulation were randomly assigned (ratio, 2:1) to receive tesamorelin or placebo for 26 weeks. At week 26, patients initially receiving tesamorelin were randomly assigned to continue receiving tesamorelin or to receive placebo for an additional 26 weeks.

Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension.

Background: HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy often demonstrate excess visceral fat. A growth hormone-releasing factor, tesamorelin, may selectively reduce visceral fat in this population. We investigated the effects of tesamorelin (GHRH(1-44)) in HIV-infected patients with central fat accumulation.