Review examining GH-releasing factor agonists—particularly tesamorelin—as emerging treatments for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, covering the GHRH-GH-IGF1 axis disruption underlying HIV fat accumulation, the clinical trial evidence supporting tesamorelin's visceral fat reduction, the advantages over rhGH, and the regulatory path toward FDA approval. Reviews tesamorelin in the pre-approval context. Establishes tesamorelin's clinical profile immediately prior to FDA approval—documenting the evidence base and regulatory rationale for a novel therapeutic class targeting GH-axis restoration as a more physiological alternative to exogenous GH for HIV lipodystrophy.
Hu, Miao; Tomlinson, Brian