GLP-1RAs Cut Psoriasis Patient Mortality by 78%
New research reveals GLP-1RAs reduce death and cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients by up to 78% and lower substance abuse risk by nearly 50%.
Executive Brief
- The News: 78% lower risk of death with GLP-1RAs in psoriasis patients
- Clinical Win: 44% lower risk of major cardiovascular events with GLP-1RAs
- Target Specialty: Dermatologists treating psoriasis patients with diabetes or obesity
Key Data at a Glance
Condition Prevalence: 2-3% of the population
Mortality Risk Reduction: 78%
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: 44%
Sample Size: 6,000 psoriasis patients
Follow-up Period: 2 years
Substance Abuse Risk Reduction: nearly 50%
GLP-1RAs Cut Psoriasis Patient Mortality by 78%
Psoriasis patients treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) face a 78% lower risk of death and a 44% lower risk of major cardiovascular events compared to those taking other diabetes or weight-loss medications, new research has shown.
The study—the largest of its kind and presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2025—also found that GLP-1RAs significantly reduced the risk of alcohol abuse by 65% and substance abuse by nearly 50%.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting 2–3% of the population, linked not only to visible symptoms but also to higher risks of heart attack, stroke and psychiatric issues, including depression, anxiety and increased alcohol or substance use.
GLP-1RAs, including semaglutide and liraglutide, are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, this emerging evidence suggests they may also offer important benefits for psoriasis patients.
The international research team retrieved data from a database of over 110 million patients in the United States. Outcomes were compared for over 6,000 psoriasis patients with diabetes or obesity over a two-year period, including 3,048 who were treated with GLP-1RAs and 3,048 who received other anti-diabetic or anti-obesity drugs.
Patients included in the retrospective cohort analysis were over 18 years old, had a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis requiring systemic therapy, and had received continuous treatment with either a GLP-1RA or an alternative anti-diabetic or anti-obesity medication for at least 24 months.
After matching for age, sex, and comorbidities, the benefits of GLP-1RAs were clear and consistent across all sensitivity analyses, using propensity score matching to control for potential confounders.
Professor Ralf Ludwig, lead author of the study, commented, "Our findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may offer benefits beyond their effects on weight and glucose control, particularly for cardiovascular and psychiatric outcomes in people with psoriasis.
"We hypothesize that GLP-1 receptor activation may inhibit proinflammatory mediators, which are elevated in people with psoriasis. Additionally, GLP-1 receptors are expressed in parts of the brain involved in mood and the reward system, which could explain the reductions we observed in alcohol and substance use."
These benefits appeared especially pronounced in psoriasis patients compared with matched controls, suggesting a possible synergy between systemic inflammation in psoriasis and the mechanisms of GLP-1RAs. Safety outcomes were consistent with those seen in the general population, with no significant increase in adverse effects such as hypoglycemia, nausea, or constipation.
"Given their safety profile and the range of benefits observed, GLP-1RAs could become a preferred treatment for people with psoriasis who also require therapy for diabetes or weight management," Prof. Ludwig furthered.
"Psoriasis management has traditionally focused on controlling skin symptoms, but these findings emphasize the need to consider the wider health risks faced by patients. GLP-1RAs may offer a valuable dual benefit, improving both metabolic control and long-term health outcomes, representing an important step forward in holistic care for people living with psoriasis."
Provided by European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Clinical Perspective — Dr. Mohit Joshi, Psychiatry
Workflow: I'm now considering GLP-1RAs for my psoriasis patients with diabetes or obesity, given the significant benefits seen in this large study. With over 6,000 patients analyzed, I'm more likely to prescribe semaglutide or liraglutide, knowing they've been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. This change in my prescribing habits may lead to better outcomes for my patients.
Economics: The article doesn't address cost directly, but I'd expect the use of GLP-1RAs to potentially reduce healthcare spending in the long run, given the 44% lower risk of major cardiovascular events and 78% lower risk of death. This could lead to significant cost savings, although more research is needed to quantify this effect.
Patient Outcomes: The 78% lower risk of death and 44% lower risk of major cardiovascular events are particularly striking, and I'll be discussing these benefits with my patients. Additionally, the 65% reduction in alcohol abuse and nearly 50% reduction in substance abuse are notable, and I'll be monitoring these outcomes closely in my patients treated with GLP-1RAs.
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