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.

What was studied

This randomized placebo-controlled trial tested tesamorelin’s effect on visceral adipose tissue, with a blinded extension examining continued treatment versus withdrawal.

Who / model studied

The 12-month study enrolled 404 people with HIV, excess abdominal fat and antiretroviral therapy exposure.

Studied dose & schedule

For months 0–6, participants received tesamorelin 2 mg subcutaneously daily or placebo. During months 6–12, tesamorelin recipients continued or switched to placebo; placebo recipients switched to tesamorelin.

What the study found

At 6 months, visceral fat changed −10.9% with tesamorelin versus −0.6% with placebo. Continuing tesamorelin produced about an 18% reduction at 12 months; improvements were rapidly lost after withdrawal.

Limitations & context

Abstract assessment: participants had HIV-associated central fat accumulation. The abstract reports no significant side effects or glucose perturbation but gives no adverse-event counts.

Read summary source ↗ · Prepared 10/6/2026 · AI-assisted, source-based summary