Experimental Treatment Reduces Effects of Lipodystrophy

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No patient perceived difference in their bodies in 26 weeks although CT scans showed 15% reduction in visceral adipose tissue ( deep belly fat)

Experimental Treatment Reduces Effects of Lipodystrophy

An investigational drug, tesamorelin, has been identified as a potential new treatment for HIV-infected individuals who suffer from lipodystrophy. The condition, associated with the use of protease inhibitors (PIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), causes an increase in abdominal fat and can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Tesamorelin induces the release of natural growth hormone, which works against the effects of lipodystrophy. In a randomized, Phase III trial, patients who received tesamorelin for 26 weeks lost an average of 15% of their abdominal fat, compared with a 5% gain of fat in the placebo group. Hyperglycemia, or abnormally high blood glucose levels, is also of concern to HIV-infected individuals taking PIs. This study also found that the drug improved lipid levels without affecting glucose or insulin levels. Larger, longer term studies are needed to confirm tesamorelin's effects on lipodystrophy.

MedlinePlus: Full story PubMed: Tesamorelin study results from Falutz, et al. AIDSinfo: Lipodystrophy fact sheet AIDSinfo: Hyperglycemia fact sheet

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