Serono highlights treatment for HIV-related fat disease

Serono has publicised the results of a phase III trial for a new human recombinant growth hormone used to treat HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome (HARS).

HARS is characterised by an abnormal distribution of body fat, often demonstrated by central fat accumulation or lipoatrophy, where fat is deposited primarily in the face or limbs. It is caused by metabolic alterations in patients using anti-retroviral drugs and is described as a “grave concern” by Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC).

The trial involved 326 patients and patients using the Serono drug demonstrated a loss in visceral adipose tissue, with decreased limb fat and non-HDL cholesterols.

Some patients during the trial experienced mild to moderate increases in blood glucose concentrations.

Serono’s chief medical officer, Paul Lammers, commented: “The findings from the HARS study provide promising news for the HIV community and for people living with HARS, a metabolic condition for which there is currently no approved drug treatment.”

“Visceral fat accumulation and lipid changes are concerns for HIV patients who are living longer due to advances in antiretroviral therapy,” he added.

Dr Lammers concluded by saying that because the drug had achieved its primary and major secondary endpoints, the company was hopeful of regulatory approval for the drug.

One of the symptoms of HARS is that fat can be lost in some areas of the body, such as on the hips and buttocks, and redistributed to other parts of the body. Women are more likely to demonstrate body fat distribution changes than men, according to GMHC.

© Adfero Ltd