Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Novo Nordisk) injections may reduce flares and boost quality of life among obese people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) when added to standard HS therapies, according to research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2024 in Amsterdam.
The study, which examined data from June 2020 to March 2023, assessed health outcomes for 30 obese patients (27 females, 3 males, average age 42) with varying stages of HS. Patients received semaglutide at a once-weekly mean dose of 0.8mg for an average of 8.2 months.
Researchers monitored changes in body mass index (BMI), weight, flare frequency, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) value, and pain levels before and after starting semaglutide, as well as biochemical markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels.
Patients experienced fewer HS flare-ups, with the frequency of these episodes reducing from an average of once every 8.5 weeks to once every 12 weeks.
Quality of life also improved significantly, reflected in a reduction of the DLQI score from an average of 13/30 to 9/30. Notably, one-third of patients achieved a DLQI score reduction of four points or more, equaling or surpassing the minimally important differences for this index.
The average BMI of patients decreased from 43.1 to 41.5, and their mean weight dropped significantly from 117.7kg to 111.6kg, with one-third of patients losing 10kg or more during the treatment period.
Moreover, HbA1c levels decreased from 39.3 to 36.6, indicating better glycemic control, while average CRP levels fell from 7.8 to 6.9, signifying reduced inflammation.
“Our findings suggest that semaglutide, even at modest doses, can offer substantial benefits in managing HS,” says study author Daniel Lyons, MD, lead researcher from St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, in a news release. “While the drug’s role in promoting weight loss is well-established, what’s particularly exciting is its potential to also reduce the frequency of HS flare-ups, contributing to the notable improvements observed in patients’ quality of life.”
Dr. Lyons adds, “The results are highly encouraging and could represent a major breakthrough in HS treatment.”
Now, larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings. “Additionally, future research should explore the impact of higher doses of semaglutide and its effects independently of concomitant medications to fully understand its potential,” he says.
He concludes, “Ultimately, we hope our preliminary data will encourage dermatologists to consider weight loss medication as an adjunct to existing HS treatments and inspire further research in this area aimed at improving outcomes for people living with this challenging condition.”
