Could an HIV belly-fat drug also sharpen memory?

NCT ID NCT02572323

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Diego Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS dementia complex Cognitive Dysfunction HIV infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP)

San Diego, California, 92103, United States
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
PalmTree

Palm Springs, California, 92262, United States
University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

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