Study: Tirzepatide Shows Early Efficacy in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 80% of patients with moderate-to-severe HS achieved HiSCR after 24 weeks of tirzepatide, according to a new open-label study.

• Researchers reported improvements in quality of life and pain scores, and benefits were sustained. 

• The authors called for larger controlled trials of tirzepatide to power broader conclusions 

New research shows dual GLP-1/GIP inhibitor tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist currently approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may offer a novel therapeutic option for patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), according to a small proof-of-concept study.

Conducted at a single center, the open-label, single-arm study enrolled 20 adults with moderate-to-severe HS (Physician’s Global Assessment ≥3) and body mass index (BMI) ≥27. Participants received maximum-dosage weekly tirzepatide injections for 24 weeks followed by an 8-week washout. The primary study endpoint was Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) at week 24, with secondary outcomes including changes in PGA, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), pain visual analog scale (VAS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

The data showed week 24, 80% of participants achieving HiSCR (16/20; P < 0.00001) at week 24, with improvements reported in multiple secondary endpoints. Some benefits were sustained to week 32. The drug was safe and well-tolerated.

“Tirzepatide demonstrated promising efficacy and tolerability in patients with moderate-to-severe HS and obesity,” the authors wrote. “Larger randomized trials are warranted to confirm efficacy, durability, and safety.”

Source: Acosta-Madiedo AS, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2025;24(12):1246.