A new review published in JAMA Dermatology by the National Psoriasis Foundation suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonist medications — the class that includes Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound — may offer benefits for people living with psoriasis, adding to the growing list of conditions these drugs are being studied for.
What the Review Found
The National Psoriasis Foundation primer examined the potential role of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in managing psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated skin disease. The review highlighted that psoriasis is not just a skin condition — it carries a significant burden of comorbidities, including cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, psychiatric, hepatic, kidney, and pulmonary conditions. GLP-1 RAs are already FDA-approved for several overlapping conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular risk reduction, chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, making them a compelling area of investigation for psoriasis patients who often share these diagnoses.
Why This Matters for Psoriasis Patients
Psoriasis affects millions of Americans, and many patients also struggle with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or cardiovascular disease — conditions where GLP-1 drugs have already demonstrated meaningful benefit. Because GLP-1 receptor agonists work in part by reducing inflammation throughout the body, researchers have been investigating whether that anti-inflammatory effect might extend to the skin. For patients managing both psoriasis and one of the conditions already approved for GLP-1 treatment, this review signals that their medication could potentially offer added benefit for their skin as well.
Key takeaway: A National Psoriasis Foundation review in JAMA Dermatology suggests GLP-1 drugs may benefit psoriasis patients — particularly those who also have obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular conditions where these medications are already FDA-approved.
What This Does Not Mean Yet
This publication is a review and primer, not a large clinical trial with definitive outcome data. GLP-1 receptor agonists are not currently FDA-approved specifically for psoriasis. Patients should not start, stop, or adjust any medication based on this review alone. The findings are a signal for the medical community to pay closer attention to this drug class in the context of psoriasis care, not a green light for self-directed treatment changes.
What to Watch Next
The National Psoriasis Foundation's involvement in publishing this primer in JAMA Dermatology suggests dermatologists and rheumatologists are taking the GLP-1 and psoriasis connection seriously. Future clinical trials specifically designed to measure psoriasis outcomes in patients taking GLP-1 medications would be the next step toward any formal guideline changes or new FDA indications. Patients with psoriasis who are also candidates for GLP-1 therapy for another approved reason may want to discuss the potential dual benefits with their care team.
Frequently Asked Questions
As always, speak with your prescriber or dermatologist before making any changes to your treatment plan. Individual health situations vary, and a qualified clinician can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of any medication based on your full medical history.
- Peer-reviewed journal article, 'The National Psoriasis Foundation Primer on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Psoriasis: A Review,' JAMA Dermatology, date not specified in source material.