A new single-vial formulation of Egrifta (tesamorelin) for the treatment of excess belly fat in people with HIV is now available in the United States, Theratechnologies has announced.

Lipodystrophy refers to both fat loss (known as lipoatrophy) and abnormal fat accumulation (known as lipohypertrophy). HIV-related lipohypertrophy involves the buildup of fat deep within the abdomen surrounding the internal organs, known as visceral abdominal fat. This type of fat is associated with health problems including cardiovascular disease.

Egrifta, first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010, is a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue that has been shown to reduce visceral abdominal fat in HIV-positive people with lipodystrophy. It is the only medication approved for this indication.

The new, more concentrated formulation—Egrifta SV—is easier use, requiring a single vial (instead of two) to prepare an injection. What’s more, the new formulation does is stable at room temperature and does not require refrigeration.

Click here for full prescribing information for Egrifta SV.