Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Psoriasis: An "Agent-Specific" Systematic Review of the Literature
In brief
Semaglutide and liraglutide improve psoriasis severity in patients with obesity or diabetes
A systematic review of 26 reports found that the GLP-1 receptor agonists semaglutide and liraglutide consistently reduced psoriasis severity, often alongside weight loss, lower HbA1c, and decreased inflammatory markers. Evidence comes mainly from case reports and small observational studies, so larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these benefits and clarify agent-specific risks.
- Journal
- Journal of clinical medicine (Q1)
- Published
- 1 July 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Andrea Marani, Eleonora Neri, Edvige Morea, Davide Bertolla, Giulio Gualdi, Alessandro Borghi, et al.
- PMID
- 42452586
- DOI
- 10.3390/jcm15135126
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Dermatology (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026): Systematic review of plant compounds for psoriasis, dermatology relevance
- Picked for Epidemiology (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026).
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease frequently associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), widely used for T2DM and obesity, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may be relevant in psoriasis. However, individual GLP-1RAs differ substantially in their pharmacological characteristics and clinical effects. Our objective was to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of individual GLP-1RAs in patients with psoriasis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed and Scopus were searched up to April 2026 for studies evaluating GLP-1RAs in psoriasis. Case reports, case series, observational studies, and randomized controlled trials were included. Preclinical, clinical and safety outcomes were extracted and narratively synthesized. Results: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Most involved patients with concomitant obesity and/or T2DM. Overall, semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, and tirzepatide were associated with improvements in psoriasis severity, often accompanied by reductions in body weight, glycated haemoglobin, inflammatory markers, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Semaglutide and liraglutide showed the most consistent evidence of benefit. Experimental and clinical data also suggested direct immunomodulatory effects on pathways involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. However, paradoxical psoriasiform eruptions and psoriasis exacerbations were reported with some agents. The evidence base was limited by the predominance of case reports and small observational studies, substantial heterogeneity, and the limited availability of randomized controlled trials. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that GLP-1RAs may improve both psoriatic disease activity and cardiometabolic outcomes, particularly in patients with obesity or T2DM. Nevertheless, potential differences among individual agents warrant further investigation in larger controlled studies.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.