Theratechnologies Inc. (TSX: TH) (NASDAQ: THTX) presented data at IDWeek 2024 highlighting the impact of excess visceral abdominal fat (EVAF) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in people with HIV (PWH). Two studies were presented:
1. The VAMOS study showed that EVAF is prevalent (58%) in PWH on modern anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and is associated with higher CVD risk factors and 10-year ASCVD risk.
2. An analysis of tesamorelin phase 3 studies demonstrated that tesamorelin-induced EVAF reduction may lower CVD risk in PWH, particularly in those with higher baseline risk.
These findings suggest that EVAF is an overlooked CVD risk factor in PWH, and tesamorelin may help reduce this risk by lowering EVAF.