- First-of-its-kind case series showed high success rate (6/7 patients) in treating EVAF with combination therapy
- Combination therapy demonstrated significant reductions in key metrics: weight (-13 lbs), BMI (-2.2 kg/m²), waist circumference (-3.4 inches)
- VAMOS study provided valuable insights into EVAF's relationship with muscle quality in HIV patients
Theratechnologies (THTX, Financial) presented two pivotal studies at the ACTHIV 2025 conference, highlighting the impact of excess visceral abdominal fat (EVAF) on muscle quality in people with HIV (PWH). The VAMOS study indicated that EVAF was prevalent in 58% of the 170 participants and strongly correlated with reduced muscle quality in aging HIV patients. The study demonstrated that EVAF had a more significant negative impact on muscle quality than subcutaneous fat or BMI.
In a separate case series study, the combination of tesamorelin and GLP-1 receptor agonists exhibited promising results in addressing EVAF and general obesity in PWH. Patients undergoing this dual therapy experienced mean reductions of 13 pounds in weight, 2.2 kg/m² in BMI, and 3.4 inches in waist circumference. Notably, six out of seven patients reached their metabolic and body composition goals, marking a pioneering report of this dual treatment approach in HIV patients.
The findings underscore the complex metabolic challenges faced by aging HIV patients and suggest that targeted therapies addressing specific types of fat may offer more effective management strategies. As the HIV population continues to age, these insights could prove crucial in developing tailored treatment plans that improve quality of life and functional capacity.
