‘Miracle’ weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Ozempic can ease symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Jabs given for weight loss can ease symptoms of a common skin condition that affects around one in 100 people, research suggests.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic disease that can lead to abscesses and scarring.
But in a ‘major breakthrough’, treatment with semaglutide – the key ingredient in weight-loss brands Wegovy and Ozempic – was found to reduce significantly painful flare-ups.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Obese patients with varying levels of HS were given a weekly jab at low average doses of 0.8mg for around eight months. Researchers monitored changes in body mass index (BMI), weight, flare frequency, pain and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) – a score ranging from zero to 30 which is used to assess the overall impact of symptoms.
They also looked at biochemical markers, including blood sugar and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a measure of inflammation.
Typically, flare-ups dropped from once every 8.5 weeks to once every three months, according to findings presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress.
Quality of life also improved significantly, reflected in a reduction of the DLQI score from an average 13/30 to 9/30. Notably, one third of patients achieved a DLQI score reduction of four points or more, equalling or surpassing the minimally important differences for the index.
Lead researcher Dr Daniel Lyons, of St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, said: ‘What’s particularly exciting is its potential to reduce the frequency of HS flare-ups. ‘The results are highly encouraging and could represent a major breakthrough in HS treatment.’
The improvements to skin health are the latest in a long line of benefits linked to these drugs, known as GLP-1 agonists, which mimic a hormone that helps people feel full for longer and lowers blood sugars.
In addition to weight loss, it has been found to slash the chances of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease and even slow ageing. The cause of HS is unknown, but it is more common in women.
Dr Lyons added: ‘We hope our preliminary data will encourage dermatologists to consider weight-loss medication as an adjunct to existing HS treatments.’
