Improving Physical Function in HIV with Tesamorelin and Exercise

Tesamorelin as an Adjunct to Exercise for Improving Physical Function in HIV (TRIUMPH)

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11166362

This project explores if adding a medication called tesamorelin to exercise can help people with HIV improve their physical abilities and reduce frailty.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11166362 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

People living with HIV often experience faster aging, leading to issues with physical function and frailty, even with regular exercise. This project aims to find new ways to help by combining exercise with a medication called tesamorelin, which is already approved to help with certain fat accumulation in HIV. We want to see if this combination can make exercise more effective and improve overall physical abilities and strength. Tesamorelin works by naturally boosting growth hormone, which may offer a better approach than other treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people living with HIV who are experiencing impaired physical function or frailty.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or who are not experiencing issues with physical function may not receive direct benefit from this specific intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new way to improve physical function and quality of life for people living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While tesamorelin is approved for other HIV-related conditions, this is the first time it will be tested specifically as an adjunct to exercise for physical function and frailty in people with HIV.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.