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

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 dermatologists.

According to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania, use of GLP-1 RAs may improve hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) 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]; P = .01).

Additionally, there were no associations between HS improvement and age at diagnosis (P = .68), GLP-1 RA therapy duration (P = .98), baseline BMI (P = 0.46), or baseline HbA1c (P = 0.89). Investigators also pointed out HbA1c reduction was not linked to HS improvement (P = 0.23) and smoking status did not affect improvement rates (P = 0.40).

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.

Reference:

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.