Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that extends beyond the skin and is frequently associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, psychiatric disorders, and other metabolic conditions. GLP-1 receptor agonists are already approved for several of these disorders, raising interest in whether these agents could also help manage psoriasis by targeting shared inflammatory and metabolic pathways.
To summarize the available evidence, Samip Sheth from the Department of Dermatology and Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and colleagues, on behalf of the US National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board, conducted an evidence-informed narrative review. The review examined current research on GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 agonists, focusing on their effects on psoriasis severity, systemic inflammation, metabolic health, safety, and practical considerations for dermatologists.
The available evidence indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve skin disease, particularly in patients with psoriasis who also have obesity or type 2 diabetes. Across small clinical studies involving 7 to 48 participants and lasting up to six months, treatment was associated with substantial improvements in disease severity and patient-reported quality of life.
Key findings from the review include:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with 40% to 80% reductions in PASI scores.
- Clinical benefits were most evident in patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
- Semaglutide and liraglutide reduced inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein and interleukin-6.
- Treatment was also linked to improvements in lipid profiles and reductions in visceral fat.
- Improvements in psoriasis severity correlated with reductions in superficial adiposity and dermal γδ T-cell density in small translational studies.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists were safely combined with methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologic therapies.
- The most common adverse effects were temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, while pancreatitis and gallbladder complications were reported infrequently.
The review also highlighted the potential dual benefit of GLP-1-based therapies by addressing both inflammatory skin disease and the cardiometabolic conditions that commonly accompany psoriasis. However, the authors emphasized that the current evidence is largely based on small, short-term studies, many without control groups, limiting the strength of the conclusions.
The researchers concluded that GLP-1 receptor agonists represent a promising adjunctive treatment option for carefully selected patients with psoriasis, particularly those with metabolic comorbidities. They noted that larger randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness, better define which patients are most likely to benefit, and establish their long-term role in psoriasis management.
Reference:
Sheth S, Merola JF, Weber BN, Prussick R, Yeung J, Liu C, Glick B, Reddy SM, Cook-Bolden FE, Wallace E, Garshick M, Alemán JO, Eakin GS, Cohen JM, Blauvelt A. The National Psoriasis Foundation Primer on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Psoriasis: A Review. JAMA Dermatol. 2026 Jun 1;162(6):619-630. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2026.0859. PMID: 42054048.
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