GLP-1s on the Rise: Cardiometabolic Targets Meet Dermatologic Possibilities

In a forward-looking session at the Masterclasses in Dermatology APP Institute, Jonathan Aun, DO, FACC, FACP, delivered an energetic and eye-opening update titled “GLP-1: Future in PsO, PsA, and HS.” Bridging cardiology and dermatology, Dr Aun introduced attendees to the growing role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in addressing not just diabetes but also inflammatory skin disease, obesity, and cardiovascular risk.

“GLP-1 receptor agonists offer potential benefits in treating psoriasis (PsO), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and other inflammatory skin diseases,” Dr Aun emphasized. The “most likely mechanisms of benefit are weight loss and inflammation modulation.”

The session kicked off with a sharp focus on obesity as a chronic inflammatory state, a well-known driver of both PsO and HS. Dr Aun laid out the tangled links between metabolic disease, chronic skin inflammation, and cardiovascular morbidity, reminding APPs that GLP-1s sit right at this intersection.

Studies in PsO, he explained, show a strong association between obesity and disease severity, with severe PsO carrying nearly 2.2 times greater obesity risk. Likewise, HS has been tied to a significantly increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, particularly in patients who smoke or have diabetes.

Dr Aun detailed data from major cardiology trials, including the SELECT trial, which demonstrated a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and overweight or obesity on GLP-1 therapy, even without diabetes

“GLP-1 receptor agonists show modest Psoriasis Area and Severity Index improvement overall, with stronger signals in heavier patients or those with type 2 diabetes,” he explained, referencing early but encouraging data in psoriasis.

In HS, the data are even more limited, but compelling. A small, uncontrolled 3-month study with liraglutide showed not only reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, and inflammatory markers but also improvements in Dermatology Life Quality Index scores and Hurley staging.

For APPs curious about bringing GLP-1s into dermatology practice, Dr Aun offered practical prescribing advice: start low, go slow. Nausea is the most frequent side effect, peaking in the first month. “Symptoms are usually moderate and decline as the weeks go on,” he said.

Absolute contraindications include pregnancy, a history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, pancreatitis, and type 1 diabetes.

Although the data are still emerging, the potential is vast. Dr Aun spotlighted the ongoing Together-PsA trial—a first-of-its-kind study combining GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists with IL-17 inhibitors for patients with psoriatic arthritis and obesity, targeting both inflammation and weight reduction.

“GLP-1 receptor agonists are now part of guideline-directed medical therapy for cardiologists, including in patients without diabetes and ASCVD,” Dr Aun concluded.

Reference

Aun J. GLP-1: Future in PsO, PsA, and HS. Presented at: Masterclasses in Dermatology APP Institute; October 11–12, 2025; Dallas, TX.