Semaglutide Demonstrates Potential, Improves Outcomes in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

New data presented at the 33rd European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress highlighted the potential of semaglutide in treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in patients with obesity.¹

This study represents the first investigation into semaglutide’s effects on HS, which disproportionately affects individuals with obesity.²

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The study examined 30 patients with obesity (average body mass index [BMI] of 43.1) and HS who received semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, over an average treatment period of 8.2 months. Patients were administered a once-weekly dose of semaglutide at an average doe of 0.8 mg. The research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide in reducing HS flare-ups, improving patient quality of life, and promoting weight loss.3

At baseline, patients presented with an average Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 13 out of 30Participants also experienced an average HS flare-up frequency of once every 8.5 weeks. Over the course of the study, the researchers tracked reductions in flare-ups, weight, and various biochemical markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

The study found that semaglutide treatment resulted in notable improvements across several key outcomes.

Flare-up frequency decreased from an average of once every 8.5 weeks to once every 12 weeks after semaglutide treatment. Patients’ average BMI dropped from 43.1 to 41.5, and the average weight decreased from 117.7 kg to 111.6 kg. Approximately one-third of the patients lost 10 kg or more during the treatment period.

The DLQI score of patients also improved significantly, dropping from 13/30 to 9/30, indicating a reduced impact of HS on daily activities and overall well-being.Researchers also observed reductions in inflammatory markers, with CRP levels falling from 7.8 mg/L to 6.9 mg/L and HbA1c levels improving from 39.3 mmol/mol to 36.6 mmol/mol, reflecting better glycemic control and reduced systemic inflammation.

Lead researcher, Daniel Lyons, MD, emphasized that the combination of weight loss and reduced HS flare-ups observed in the study underscores semaglutide’s dual impact.

"Our findings suggest that semaglutide, even at modest doses, can offer substantial benefits in managing HS," Lyons said.¹

By addressing obesity, a major risk factor for HS, semaglutide reduces the severity of flare-ups and improves inflammatory profiles. Lyons noted that while semaglutide’s role in weight loss is well established, its potential in reducing the frequency of HS symptoms is an exciting development in dermatology.

"The results are highly encouraging and could represent a major breakthrough in HS treatment," he said.

While the data is promising, Lyons stressed the need for larger, randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings. The study’s relatively small sample size and focus on obese patients highlight the importance of expanding research to include a broader patient population. Future studies will need to explore the long-term efficacy of semaglutide, as well as its potential use in non-obese patients with HS.

References

1. EADV Congress 2024: Semaglutide improves outcomes for obese patients with common skin condition, new study shows. News release. PR Newswire. September 24, 2024. Accessed September 25, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eadv-congress-2024-semaglutide-improves-outcomes-for-obese-patients-with-common-skin-condition-new-study-shows-302252989.html
2. Kromann CB, Ibler KS, Kristiansen VB, Jemec GB. The influence of body weight on the prevalence and severity of hidradenitis suppurativa. Acta Derm Venereol. 2014;94(5):553-557. doi:10.2340/00015555-1800