Tesamorelin: a synthetic growth hormone-releasing factor analog for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy

HIV-associated lipodystrophy has become a major challenge in the treatment of HIV infection. Recombinant human growth hormone has shown clinical effectiveness in therapy for growth hormone-deficient disorders and HIV-associated lipodystrophy, but its association with a variety of adverse effects has led to the development of human growth hormone-releasing factor analogs. Tesamorelin, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing factor, has been developed for the potential treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase III clinical trial demonstrated that tesamorelin was a beneficial treatment strategy for HIV-associated lipodystrophy with a good safety profile and a positive effect on reducing visceral fat and improving lipid profiles.