Theratechnologies IDWeek Presentations on EVAF's Impact on CVD Risk in HIV Patients

Theratechnologies Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, recently unveiled findings from two significant poster presentations at IDWeek 2024 in Los Angeles, focusing on the connection between excess visceral abdominal fat (EVAF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in individuals with HIV (PWH). The studies highlight the potential of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in reducing EVAF and consequently lowering CVD risk.

In the first presentation, researchers from the Visceral Adiposity Measurement and Observations Study (VAMOS) emphasized that EVAF is a critical risk factor contributing to increased CVD risk among PWH who are undergoing modern anti-retroviral therapy (ART). EVAF, defined as a visceral fat surface area of 130 cm² or more, was found to be prevalent in 58% of the 170 participants studied, with an average visceral fat area of 148 cm². The study revealed that participants with EVAF had significantly higher values for the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein (TG:HDL) ratios, indicating a positive correlation between EVAF and these metabolic markers. Moreover, a higher EVAF was associated with an increased 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk and lower growth hormone levels.

John Koethe, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University and a VAMOS investigator, noted that EVAF is a key characteristic of central adiposity, which remains prevalent among people living with HIV, even those not exposed to earlier ART agents. He highlighted that as visceral fat increases, so do 10-year ASCVD risk scores and traditional CVD risk factors, such as insulin resistance and lipid levels.

The second presentation focused on data from two phase 3 randomized studies assessing the impact of tesamorelin-induced reduction of EVAF on CVD outcomes in 543 PWH. The studies quantified 10-year ASCVD risk scores for participants at the start and at 26 weeks of tesamorelin treatment. Despite a low baseline CVD risk for most participants, 44% exhibited borderline to high CVD risk. Participants treated with tesamorelin showed a modest reduction in their 10-year ASCVD risk scores, primarily driven by reductions in total cholesterol levels, independent of other lipid-lowering therapies. This reduction was more pronounced among individuals with higher baseline CVD risk.

Lindsay Fourman, M.D., from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, underscored that tesamorelin might help reduce forecasted cardiovascular disease risk, especially in those with a higher initial risk. She emphasized that targeting excess visceral abdominal fat could be an effective strategy for managing CVD risk in PWH, given the high prevalence of obesity and central adiposity within this population.

IDWeek 2024, held from October 16-19, serves as the joint annual meeting for several organizations, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the HIV Medicine Association, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists.

Theratechnologies continues to focus on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies that address unmet medical needs, particularly for individuals living with HIV and other conditions. The company's ongoing research and clinical trials aim to provide better treatment options and improve health outcomes for these populations.