Study: GLP-1 Linked with PASI Reductions

Key Takeaways

• GLP-1 receptor agonists show early evidence of improving psoriasis severity alongside metabolic comorbidities.
• Reported PASI reductions range from 40% to 80% in small, short-term studies lacking control groups.
• Larger randomized clinical trials are needed before routine dermatologic use can be established.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are gaining attention as a potential adjunctive therapy in psoriasis, according to a new review from the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board published in JAMA Dermatology.

The authors conducted an evidence-informed narrative synthesis to evaluate the role of GLP-1 RAs in psoriasis management. Across small studies involving 7 to 48 patients and follow-up periods of up to 6 months, GLP-1 RAs were associated with relative reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores ranging from approximately 40% to 80%, with concurrent improvements in quality of life. Effects were most pronounced in patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Agents such as semaglutide and liraglutide demonstrated reductions in inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, alongside improvements in lipid profiles and visceral adiposity. Translational data suggest that PASI improvements may correlate with reductions in superficial adiposity and dermal γδ T-cell density. Safety data indicate that GLP-1 RAs can be combined with systemic psoriasis therapies, including methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologics, with gastrointestinal symptoms representing the most common adverse events.

“GLP-1–based therapies target shared metabolic and inflammatory pathways in psoriasis,” the authors wrote. “Current evidence supports consideration of adjunctive use in selected patients with metabolic comorbidities, although definitive conclusions await larger randomized clinical trials.”