Meta-analysis of RCTs (HIV lipodystrophy)
Various · Systematic review · 2026 · Systematic review
Pools five multicentre RCTs; tesamorelin significantly reduced visceral and hepatic fat with a well-defined safety profile.
GHRH(1-44) analogue
An FDA-approved GHRH analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
At a glance
Overview
The one genuinely approved pharmaceutical here (brand EGRIFTA), used to reduce visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Additional research explores cognition and liver fat.
Mechanism
Stimulates endogenous GH release via pituitary GHRH receptors; N-terminal capping resists DPP-4 degradation.
Research
Various · Systematic review · 2026 · Systematic review
Pools five multicentre RCTs; tesamorelin significantly reduced visceral and hepatic fat with a well-defined safety profile.
Ellis RJ, et al. · Clinical · 2025 · Clinical
In people with HIV and abdominal obesity, six months of tesamorelin showed a trend toward improved neurocognition, though not statistically significant between groups.
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02572323) · Clinical trial registry · completed · Clinical trial registry
Phase II study of tesamorelin for cognition in ageing HIV-positive adults; results posted 2024–2026.
Baker LD, et al. · Clinical · 2012 · RCT
20-week trial in 152 older adults improved executive function in both MCI and healthy participants; the landmark cognition finding.
FDA / Company · Regulatory/clinical · 2025 · Regulatory/clinical
New long-acting formulation approved; company data questions BMI as a sole cardiovascular-risk marker in HIV.
Evidence summary
The gold standard of this catalogue: an FDA-approved peptide backed by multiple randomised controlled trials, with robust, well-documented effects on visceral fat and a growing body of research into cognition and metabolic health. The most rigorously evidenced compound here.