GLOBAL HEALTH: Growth Hormone Releasing Factor Analog: Slimming Aid for Patients Receiving HAART?

Audio Journal of Global Health Issues Growth Hormone Releasing Factor Analog: Slimming Aid for Patients Receiving HAART? REFERENCE: 14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Los Angeles February 25-29, 2007 STEVEN GRINSPOON, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston COMMENT: JUDITH CURRIER, University of California, Los Angeles Daily administration of an analog of growth hormone releasing factor to HIV patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy significantly decreased visceral fat and improved their lipid profiles. This development-stage drug, TH9507, was well tolerated and may help patients reduce central fat accumulation and abnormal lipid profiles, both of which are know cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, decreases in central fat may have a positive effect on patients' self-image. Steven Grinspoon gave Dan Keller details during the 14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Los Angeles.