Theratechnologies has issued a press release to announce favorable safety and efficacy data for its experimental drug, Tesamorelin (TH9507), for HIV-related lipodystrophy. The new yearlong follow-up data support encouraging 26-week results reported earlier this year.  

One of the symptoms of lipodystrophy is the accumulation of visceral fat, primarily in the gut, at the back of the neck and behind the breasts in women. Tesamorelin causes the pituitary gland to release human growth hormone, which has been shown to reduce fat in the body.

Tesamorelin was found to be well tolerated and did not cause blood sugar increases—a potential concern when using growth hormone products—after 52 weeks of use, according to the company. Visceral fat reductions of 18 percent were seen in patients who remained on the drug for an entire year. However, those who’d initially taken tesamorelin and then switched to a placebo after six months had a return of the visceral fat they’d lost while on the study drug.

The company will be reporting additional details from the Phase III study at the European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) conference, which will take place in Madrid at the end of October.