A NOVEL study has shown that Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, medications widely used for obesity and type 2 diabetes, may offer benefits for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition often associated with obesity. The single-centre, retrospective study from Northwestern Medicine identifies factors influencing the prescription of GLP-1 agonists in patients with HS.
Comorbidities Increase Likelihood of GLP-1 Use
Researchers reviewed patients diagnosed with HS between October 2015 and December 2023. Statistical analyses, including chi-squared tests and logistic regressions, assessed which patient characteristics were associated with GLP-1 agonist use. Obesity and diabetes were the strongest predictors, with patients exhibiting obesity having 3.5 times higher odds and those with diabetes having 5.8 times higher odds of being prescribed GLP-1 therapy.
Other comorbidities also contributed. Dyslipidaemia (odds ratio (OR) 1.6), hypertension (OR 1.5), and concurrent biologic therapy (OR 1.5) were all associated with increased likelihood of GLP-1 agonist use, highlighting the interconnected nature of metabolic and inflammatory conditions in HS management.
The study also identified disparities in prescribing patterns. Male patients had lower odds (OR 0.6) of receiving GLP-1 agonists, and non-Hispanic patients were less likely (OR 0.7) to be prescribed these medications. These findings suggest that demographic factors may influence treatment decisions, independent of clinical comorbidities.
Implications for Clinical Practice
The study demonstrates the importance of managing comorbid metabolic conditions in patients with HS, not only for overall health but also for potential benefits in disease management. GLP-1 agonists may represent a promising complement therapy, particularly for patients with obesity and diabetes.
The authors call for further research to evaluate clinical outcomes of HS patients treated with GLP-1 agonists, including effects on disease severity, weight management, and metabolic health. Understanding these outcomes could inform more personalised and equitable treatment strategies for this complex patient population.
Reference
Alkhalili S et al. A single-center retrospective study of GLP-1 agonist use in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. Arch Dermatol Res. 2025; 317:940.
