Tesamorelin, a human growth hormone releasing factor analogue.

Author(s): Wang Y, Tomlinson B

Affiliation(s): Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.

Publication date & source: 2009-03, Expert Opin Investig Drugs., 18(3):303-10.

Publication type: Review

BACKGROUND: The combination of clinical effectiveness with a variety of adverse side effects from the use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in therapy for growth hormone (GH)-deficient disorders has led to the development of human growth hormone releasing factor (GFR) analogues, which may be better tolerated. Tesamorelin, a synthetic GFR, has been developed as a potential treatment for a variety of conditions that may be associated with a relative deficiency of GH including HIV-related lipodystrophy. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the development of tesamorelin and its purported role in HIV-related lipodystrophy and other potential indications. METHODS: Relevant articles and abstracts were obtained from searches of the medical and chemical literature databases and the references from published articles. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase III clinical trial suggested that tesamorelin might be a beneficial treatment strategy for HIV-related lipodystrophy with a good safety profile and a positive effect on reducing visceral fat. Other potential indications for tesamorelin appear less promising from the current data.