GLP-1 RA drugs can reduce death and cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients 

Psoriasis patients treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) face a 78 per cent lower risk of death and a 44 per cent lower risk of major cardiovascular events compared to those taking other diabetes or weight-loss medications, new research has shown.

The study – the largest of its kind and presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress 2025 – also found that GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced the risk of alcohol abuse by 65 per cent and substance abuse by nearly 50 per cent.

GLP-1 RAs, including semaglutide and liraglutide, are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, this emerging evidence suggests they may also offer important benefits for psoriasis patients.

The international research team retrieved data from a database of over 110 million patients in the US. Outcomes were compared for over 6,000 psoriasis patients with diabetes or obesity over a two-year period, including 3,048 who were treated with GLP-1 RAs and 3,048 who received other anti-diabetic or anti-obesity drugs. Patients included in the retrospective cohort analysis were over 18 years old, had a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis requiring systemic therapy, and had received continuous treatment with either a GLP-1 RA or an alternative anti-diabetic or anti-obesity medication for at least 24 months.

After matching for age, sex, and comorbidities, the benefits of GLP-1 RAs were clear and consistent across all sensitivity analyses, using propensity score matching to control for potential confounders.

Prof Ralf Ludwig, lead author of the study, commented: “Our findings suggest that GLP-1 RAs may offer benefits beyond their effects on weight and glucose control, particularly for cardiovascular and psychiatric outcomes in people with psoriasis. We hypothesise that GLP-1 receptor activation may inhibit proinflammatory mediators, which are elevated in people with psoriasis.

“Additionally, GLP-1 receptors are expressed in parts of the brain involved in mood and the reward system, which could explain the reductions we observed in alcohol and substance use.”

These benefits appeared especially pronounced in psoriasis patients compared with matched controls, suggesting a possible synergy between systemic inflammation in psoriasis and the mechanisms of GLP-1 RAs.

Safety outcomes were consistent with those seen in the general population, with no significant increase in adverse effects such as hypoglycaemia, nausea, or constipation.

“Given their safety profile and the range of benefits observed, GLP-1 RAs could become a preferred treatment for people with psoriasis who also require therapy for diabetes or weight management,” Prof Ludwig suggested.

“Psoriasis management has traditionally focused on controlling skin symptoms, but these findings emphasise the need to consider the wider health risks faced by patients. GLP-1 RAs may offer a valuable dual benefit, improving both metabolic control and long-term health outcomes, representing an important step forward in holistic care for people living with psoriasis.”