The Use of GLP-1 Agonists in the Management of Cutaneous Disease.

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are a class of medications indicated for type 2 diabetes and obesity that may play a role in the management of cutaneous disease, in part due to their anti-inflammatory effects. These molecules interact with cytokines critical to the development and persistence of skin disease, such as TNF-α, IL-23, IL-17 and IL-22. Correspondingly, immunologic pathways that are downregulated by GLP-1 agonists may serve as a target for various skin conditions that are worsened by inflammation. Furthermore, the known benefit of weight loss for certain skin conditions may be further potentiated by GLP-1 agonists. In this brief report, the authors describe multiple cases of patients with psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, acanthosis nigricans, and Hailey-Hailey disease for which patients experienced improvement subsequent to treatment with GLP-1 therapy. These cases demonstrate the utility of GLP-1 agonists in treating dermatologic conditions that are refractory to other therapies and further highlight the potential of GLP-1 agonists in treating skin disease.