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

Research presented at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting 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 (P = .03), Black (P = .02), have diabetes (P <.01), have obesity (P <.01), and have a greater baseline BMI (P <.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 (P <.01).

When assessing disease-specific outcomes, suggested GLP-1 RA users had a greater level of scalp pain/tenderness/soreness (P <.01) and itch (P <.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 (P = .07).

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.

References:

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.