Recent research has identified hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), an inflammatory skin disorder affecting at least 1 in 100 people, as a potential condition that could benefit from semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. This condition is often linked to obesity and can lead to painful lesions.
In a study involving 30 obese patients with varying levels of HS, participants were administered semaglutide weekly for approximately eight months. The results were significant: patients experienced an average weight loss of 13 pounds, improved blood sugar levels, reduced overall inflammation, and a decrease in HS flare-ups. Specifically, the frequency of flare-ups increased from once every 8.5 weeks to once every 12 weeks.
The findings were presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology conference in Amsterdam. Dr. Daniel Lyons, lead researcher from St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, noted that “semaglutide, even at modest doses, can offer substantial benefits in managing HS.” He emphasized the drug’s potential not only for weight loss but also for reducing HS flare-ups, which can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
Dr. Lyons highlighted the need for larger trials to confirm these findings and explore the effects of higher doses of semaglutide. “Ultimately, we hope our preliminary data will encourage dermatologists to consider weight loss medication as an adjunct to existing HS treatments and inspire further research in this area,” he said.
Ozempic was initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in adults and later for weight loss with Wegovy in 2021. Since then, research has been expanding to explore additional potential applications of these drugs, including their effects on substance abuse and heart disease.
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