The active ingredient in Ozempic can help patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
A study recently presented at the Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) demonstrated the significant potential of semaglutide, the active ingredient of antiobesity pens such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Rybelsus, in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa, a common disease and diseases debilitating skin problems in obese people.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic and inflammatory skin disease, with hereditary characteristics, associated with obesity, smoking and poor eating habits. More common in women, the disease manifests itself on the skin through painful lesions with nodules and lumps, which can open and generate pus. The most affected areas are the armpits, breasts, groin, genital area and buttocks.
“Since it is a disease with an exaggerated inflammatory response that attacks the skin and associated structures, and which tends to persist and recur, scars appear over time,” describes dermatologist Claudia Marçal, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Hidradenitis suppurativa affects approximately 1 in 100 people.
The doctor states that the study showed an improvement in the disease with the use of semaglutide, with greater spacing between episodes of injury, a reduction in the biochemical indices of inflammation and an improvement in the quality of life of these patients.
Obesity and hidradenitis suppurativa
The relationship between obesity and worsening of hidradenitis suppurativa is well established by science. According to the dermatologist, there are some hypotheses that explain this: greater retention of sweat, maceration (process of softening and degradation of the skin, which can be caused by prolonged exposure to humidity and a consequence of the inflammatory process of a wound), rupture of the ostia follicular and glandular (orifices) and changes in hormonal metabolism, factors that predispose to pore blockage. “We now know that hidradenitis results from inflammation of the hair follicles in these affected regions,” he adds.
The research was the first to explore the use of semaglutide for hidradenitis suppurativa, representing a key milestone in the search for effective treatments for this painful and debilitating condition. Until then, effective treatments remain limited and can cause serious side effects, highlighting the need for alternative, better tolerated treatment options.
The study involved 30 obese patients
The work involved 30 obese patients (27 women, 3 men, average age 42 years) with different stages of hidradenitis suppurativa, who received semaglutide at an average weekly dose of 0.8 mg for an average of 8.2 months.
“The results showed significant improvements in patient outcomes across several important measures. Patients experienced fewer disease flares, with the frequency of these episodes reduced from an average of once every 8.5 weeks to once every 12 weeks. Self-reported quality of life also improved significantly,” says the doctor.
Patients’ average body mass index (BMI) decreased from 43.1 to 41.5 and average weight decreased significantly, from 117.7 kg to 111.6 kg, with a third of patients losing 10 kg or more during the treatment period.
Other positive changes were observed in HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) levels, which decreased from 39.3 to 36.6, indicating better glycemic control, and a reduction in mean CRP (C-reactive protein) levels from 7. 8 to 6.9, which means a reduction in inflammation.
Even low doses help
The findings suggest that semaglutide, even at modest doses, may offer substantial benefits in treating the skin disease.
“While the drug’s role in promoting weight loss is well established, what is particularly interesting is its potential to also reduce the frequency of epidemics of obesity-associated diseases such as hidradenitis suppurativa, contributing to the dramatic improvements seen in quality of life of patients”, explains the doctor.
The doctor explains that larger studies are needed to validate these results. “Additionally, future research should explore the impact of higher doses of semaglutide and its effects independent of concomitant medications to fully understand its potential.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
