Study summary · research use only
Body composition, hepatic fat, metabolic, and safety outcomes of Tesamorelin, a GHRH analogue, in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (human adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy) evaluated Tesamorelin, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue, versus placebo. Five RCTs were included. Tesamorelin was associated with reductions in visceral adipose tissue (MD=-27.71 cm²), trunk fat (MD=-1.18 kg), limb fat (MD=-0.22 kg), hepatic fat percentage (MD=-4.28%), and waist circumference (MD=-1.61 cm), and with an increase in lean body mass (MD=1.42 kg). No differences were reported for subcutaneous adipose tissue, BMI, or CD4+ T-cell counts. Adverse events reported with Tesamorelin included arthralgia, myalgia, paresthesia, and injection-site reactions such as erythema. The authors describe Tesamorelin as associated with changes in body composition, hepatic fat, lean body mass, and IGF-1 levels, without serious adverse events or glucose disruption reported.
Abstract
HIV-associated lipodystrophy leads to visceral fat accumulation, metabolic complications, body image concerns, medication non-adherence, and increased cardiovascular risks. We thought to assess the effects of Tesamorelin, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue, that has been proposed as a targeted therapy. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL through July 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating Tesamorelin versus placebo in adults with HIV. Random-effects meta-analysis was applied. Outcomes included changes in body composition, hepatic and metabolic parameters, hormonal markers, and adverse events. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2.0, and certainty of evidence with GRADE. Five RCTs evaluating Tesamorelin were included in the analysis. Tesamorelin was associated with significant reduction in visceral adipose tissue (MD=-27.71 cm², 95 % CI [-38.37, -17.06]; P < 0.001), trunk fat (MD=-1.18 kg, 95 % CI [-1.40, -0.96]; P < 0.001), limb fat (MD=-0.22 kg, 95 % CI [-0.35, -0.08]; P = 0.001), hepatic fat percentage (MD=-4.28 %, 95 % CI [-6.31, -2.24]; P < 0.001), and waist circumference (MD=-1.61 cm, 95 % CI [-2.28, -0.95]; P < 0.001). A significant increase in lean body mass was observed (MD=1.42 kg, 95 % CI [1.13, 1.71]; P < 0.001). However, no significant reductions in subcutaneous adipose tissue or BMI were observed. Tesamorelin showed no significant change in CD4 + T-cell counts. Tesamorelin was associated with adverse events, including arthralgia, myalgia, paresthesia, and injection-site reactions like erythema. Tesamorelin improves body composition, hepatic fat, lean body mass, and IGF-1 levels in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, without serious side effects or perturbation of glucose.
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