Scientists discover surprising benefit of Ozempic that could change the lives of millions of people with common skin disease
New research shows that weight-loss injections can relieve symptoms of a common skin condition.
Hidradenitis suppurative (HS) is a chronic condition that can lead to abscesses and scarring. About 1 in 100 people will develop it.
Treatment with semaglutide – the main ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic – was shown to significantly reduce painful flare-ups.
Obese patients with varying HS levels received a weekly injection with a low average dose of 0.8 mg for approximately eight months.
In addition to weight loss, these successful diet drugs also appear to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases.
Researchers monitored changes in body mass index (BMI), weight, flare frequency, pain, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a score used to assess the overall impact of symptoms.
They also looked at biochemical markers, including blood sugar levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a measure of inflammation.
According to findings presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) congress, flare-ups typically decrease from once every 8.5 weeks to once every three months.
Quality of life also improved significantly, reflected in a reduction in the DLQI score from an average of 13/30 to 9/30.
It is striking that one third of patients achieved a DLQI score reduction of four points or more, which is equal to or higher than the minimally important differences for this index.
According to Dr. Daniel Lyons, lead researcher from St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, the findings show that different dosages can provide significant benefits in treating HS.
He said: ‘While the drug’s role in promoting weight loss has been known for a long time, it is particularly interesting that it can reduce the frequency of HS flare-ups, which may contribute to the notable improvements in patients’ quality of life.
“The results are very encouraging and could represent a major breakthrough in the treatment of HS.”
The improvements in skin health are the latest in a long line of benefits attributed to these drugs, known as GLP-1 agonists. These agonists mimic a hormone that makes people feel fuller longer and lowers blood sugar levels.
In addition to weight loss, it has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease and even slow the aging process.
Wegovy and Ozempic work by stimulating the body to produce a hormone called GLP-1 which is naturally released from the gut after meals
Scientists believe these health benefits are due to the plant’s ability to reduce inflammation, which is a common feature of many chronic conditions.
The exact cause of HS is unknown, but the condition is more common in women and occurs near hair follicles where sweat glands are located, such as around the breasts and armpits.
The condition usually begins with blackheads, pus-filled spots and firm, pea-sized bumps that form in one spot and then burst.
Researchers hope to build on the results of this 30-patient study to include a larger number of patients.
Dr Lyons added: ‘Ultimately, we hope that our preliminary data will encourage dermatologists to consider weight loss medications as an adjunct to existing HS treatments and to stimulate further research in this area, aimed at improving outcomes for people living with this challenging condition.’