Susan Taylor, MD, a professor and vice chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Perelman School of Medicine. 

Susan Taylor, MD

Susan Taylor, MD, on GLP-1 RAs and HS at AAD 2025

Few drug classes have captivated medicine in the same fashion as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Now, new data suggests the agents could find their way into the armamentarium of 

According to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania, use of GLP-1 RAs may improve 

 in patients with overweight and obesity, with the apparent benefits only partially explained by weight loss.

“We know that our GLP-1 agonists can help with so many systems in the body, so cardiovascular system, the endocrine system, so improvement in metabolic syndrome, improvement in hidradenitis suppurativa—I think it's all related,” explained MD, the Bernett L. Johnson, Jr., M.D. Professor and vice chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Perelman School of Medicine, in an interview at the 

2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting

Presented at AAD 2025, the study was led by Taylor and colleagues to explore the potential benefit of GLP-1 RAs among patients with overweight or obesity who also have hidradenitis suppurativa. To do so, the current research endeavor was designed as a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of data at the University of Pennsylvania from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023.

For inclusion, patients needed to be adults with HS, have a BMI of 27 kg/m or greater with a weight-related comorbidity, or a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, at least 2 HS dermatology visits, and GLP-1 RA use. For the purpose of analysis, investigators assessed HS disease activity through clinical notes.

A total of 425 HS patients identified. Of these, 142 met inclusion criteria. At baseline, this cohort had a baseline BMI of 41.1 kg/m² (SD, 8.8) and HbA1c of 6.7% (SD, 2.2). Investigators noted 44.4% had a documented Hurley stage at the initial visit, with 57.1% classified as stage II to III disease. At their initial HS appointment, 83.8% were not on GLP-1 RAs. average duration of GLP-1 RA use from its initiation to the most recent HS visit was 564.2 days.

Upon analysis, 59.9% of patients experienced improvement in HS, 30.3% showed no change, and 9.9% had worsening disease. No changes in Hurley stage were observed in the study. Further analysis suggested patients who experienced improvement had a greater reduction in BMI compared to those with stable or worsening disease (BMI change: -6.2 kg/m² [SD, 13.5] vs. -0.4 kg/m² [SD, 13.8]; 

Additionally, there were no associations between HS improvement and age at diagnosis (

 = 0.89). Investigators also pointed out HbA1c reduction was not linked to HS improvement (

 = 0.23) and smoking status did not affect improvement rates (

Relevant disclosures for Taylor include AbbVie, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Armis Scientific, Beiersdorf, Biorez, Cara Therapeutics, EPI Pharma, Evolus, Galderma Laboratories, Hugel America, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, L'Oreal, and others.

Encarnacion IN, Desir N, Anusionwu I, Ogunleye T, Taylor SC.

 The Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Overweight and Obese Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

 Presented at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (ADA) Annual Meeting. Orlando, FL. March 07-11, 2025.

Videos

Data from AAD 2025 examine the effect of GLP-1 RAs on HS among patients with overweight or obesity. 

GLP-1 RAs and Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients with Overweight or Obesity, with Susan Taylor, MD

Susan Taylor, MD, on GLP-1 RAs in CCCA at AAD 2025

 suggests use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) could help contribute to disease stabilization and improvements in patients with 

central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)

A matched, retrospective analysis of adult CCCA patients treated at a tertiary academic center, results of the study suggest use of GLP-1 RAs was associated with a significant improvement in pain and tenderness of the scalp as well as a potential benefit on disease stabilization.

“As you may know, we're very limited. So, at this point, we have oral antibiotics, we have topical and intralesional corticosteroids, and some pilot studies that indicate agents like metformin can help with this disease,” explained lead investigator Susan Taylor, MD, the Bernett L. Johnson, Jr., M.D. Professor and vice chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Perelman School of Medicine. “if we're able to conclusively demonstrate that GLP-1 [receptor] agonists can help CCCA patients, that would be another tool in our therapeutic armamentarium, and perhaps one day it could go for an indication.”

Citing previous data suggesting metabolic dysfunction may play a role in the pathogenesis of CCCA, Taylor and a team of colleagues sought to explore further the potential impact of GLP-1 RAs among patients with CCCA. With January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 as their defined period of interest, investigators designed their study to compare clinical outcomes between patients on GLP-1 RAs and matched controls not using GLP-1 RAs.

From their search of CCCA patients using GLP-1 RAs yielded 160 cases identified. Among these 89 met inclusion criteria. These individuals were matched to a cohort of 130 control subjects.

Initial analysis indicated GLP-1 RA users were more likely to be female (

 <.01), and have a greater baseline BMI (

 <.01) relative to control subjects. Investigators pointed out use of GLP-1 RAs was associated with a significant reduction in weight between their first and most recent visits (

When assessing disease-specific outcomes, suggested GLP-1 RA users had a greater level of scalp pain/tenderness/soreness (

<.05) at baseline but this had equalized by the end of the study. Investigators pointed out GLP-1 RA users had greater rates of CCCA disease stabilization or improvement, but this result did not reach statistical significance (

Desir N, Encarnacion IN, Anusionwu I, Ogunleye T, Taylor SC.

 GLP-1 Agonists May Play a Role in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia Disease Activity.

Presented at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (ADA) Annual Meeting. Orlando, FL. March 07-11, 2025.

Susan Taylor, MD, discusses a study examining the effect of GLP-1 RA use relative to nonuse in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia at AAD 2025.

GLP-1 RAs Could Improve Outcomes in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Medical Sisterhood Role Models, with Drs. Susan Taylor and Linda Stein Gold

Medical Sisterhood: Role Models

, host Mona Shahriari, MD, speaks with Susan Taylor, MD, and Linda Stein Gold, MD, two leaders in dermatology, about mentorship, professional growth, and the realities of balancing personal and professional responsibilities as women in medicine.

Taylor, a professor and vice chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Perelman School of Medicine, shares how her mentor inspired her to develop the subspecialty of skin of color dermatology. She emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks and planning strategically to focus on impactful work, such as her recent completion of a new edition of 

Stein Gold, director of Dermatology Clinical Research at Henry Ford Health System, discusses her role in pioneering clinical trials and how early encouragement from a mentor to present her findings at national meetings shaped her career. She advises women to embrace opportunities, even when they feel unprepared, and reflects on the critical importance of prioritizing family.

The discussion highlights how women bring unique perspectives to dermatology, including holistic patient care and multitasking abilities. Both guests address imposter syndrome, stressing the importance of recognizing one’s competence and embracing challenges. Their insights provide actionable advice for young female physicians navigating their careers while striving to balance personal fulfillment.

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Podcasts

Mona Shahriari, MD, hosts a discussion with dermatology leaders Susan Taylor, MD, and Linda Stein Gold, MD, focusing on mentorship, professional growth, and balancing personal and professional life as women in medicine. Taylor highlights the significance of strategic planning and delegation, while Stein Gold emphasizes seizing opportunities and prioritizing family. Both discuss the unique perspectives women bring to dermatology, addressing imposter syndrome and offering advice for young female physicians. Their insights aim to empower women in medicine to achieve career success and personal fulfillment.

Susan Taylor, MD, and Linda Stein Gold, MD, join The Medical Sisterhood for an intimate conversation on the importance of role models and mentors.

Susan Taylor, MD

Articles