Who was studied?
Adults with HIV and at least 5% hepatic fat were randomized to 2 mg daily or placebo, followed by a six-month open-label extension.
- Participants
- 61 enrolled; 60 received treatment
- Duration
- 12-month randomized phase
- Funding
- NIH / NIAID; Massachusetts General Hospital-led trial
What did the study find?
The treatment effect on hepatic fat fraction was −4.1 percentage points at 12 months, corresponding to a reported 37% relative reduction. Liver fat fell below 5% in 35% versus 4% of participants.
What should you keep in mind?
Specific HIV population and small sample. Injection-site complaints were more frequent; long-term liver outcomes need further study.
Why it matters
Percentage points and relative percentages describe different quantities. This finding is not an approval for general fatty-liver treatment.
Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial
Published 2019 · PMID 31611038 · DOI 10.1016/S2352-3018(19)30338-8
Summary by Peptide Lit, checked against the original abstract on October 8, 2026. Read the complete paper for detailed methods and safety results. This page explains published research; it does not recommend a treatment or dose.