Beyond Skin: Adjunctive GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy for Psoriasis and Metabolic Dysfunction

Authors

• Patricia J. Quartin, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Dermatology

Advisor

Lawrence Herman, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

This review examines the safety and efficacy of glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) agents as appropriate adjuvant therapy to established biologic agents in the management of patients with psoriasis and metabolic dysfunction. Current literature supports links between increased adiposity, psoriatic disease severity, and decreased biologic efficacy. Targeting multiple pro-inflammatory pathways result in synergistic effects for dermatologic and metabolic health and overall quality of life (QOL).  An extensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, identifying systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized control trials (RCT), and case studies evaluating psoriasis and co-morbidity pathophysiology, standard-of-care biologic treatments, and patient outcomes with GLP-1 RAs. The review synthesizes data supporting concomitant therapy that may be helpful to significantly improve patient outcomes including Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, body mass index (BMI), glyco-lipid levels, skin protein tissue levels, and QOL, particularly for patients with BMI ≥30 or ≥25 with one or more weight associated co-morbidity. The risks and benefits must be evaluated prior to initiation as GLP-1 RAs carry potential gastrointestinal and hypoglycemic side effects. Using adjunctive therapy may also help reduce patient healthcare costs and streamline care pathways. The limited available data are promising but additional large scale double-blinded RCTs, post-hoc analyses, and robust case studies are required to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of combination therapy versus monotherapy, standardize patient eligibility criteria, and enhance treatment guidelines. This review provides evidence-based data guidance for clinicians on risks versus benefits of adjuvant therapy of biologic and GLP-1RA therapies with the goal of optimizing long-term patient outcomes including skin clearance, metabolic parameters, and QOL.

Recommended Citation

Quartin PJ. Beyond Skin: Adjunctive GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy for Psoriasis and Metabolic Dysfunction. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).