Could an HIV belly-fat drug also sharpen memory?
NCT ID NCT02572323
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether tesamorelin, a drug already approved for belly fat in HIV, could improve memory and thinking in 73 older HIV patients with mild cognitive problems. Participants also used a text-messaging app to stay motivated. The trial measured changes in brain performance and a related blood marker over 24 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Tesamorelin (Egrifta), an injectable drug approved for abdominal fat in HIV
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a treatment for memory and thinking problems in people living with HIV.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early Phase 2 trial with only 73 participants. The results may not be strong enough to confirm benefit, and tesamorelin is not yet proven for cognition.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP)
San Diego, California, 92103, United States
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Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
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PalmTree
Palm Springs, California, 92262, United States
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University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94143, United States