Psoriasis patients treated with GLP-1RAs face significantly a significantly lower risk of death and cardiac events than those treated with other antidiabetic and obesity drugs, a study including more than 6,000 patients has found.

The authors of the analysis, which was presented at last month’s EADV Congress in Paris, said the data suggested the drug class could become the preferred treatment for psoriasis patients who also require diabetes or weight management care.

The retrospective cohort study included matched cohorts of 3,048 patients with psoriasis treated with GLP-1RA, and those receiving other types of treatment for diabetes and obesity, comparing outcomes over a two year period.

GLP-1RAs were associated with a 78% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 44% lower risk of major cardiovascular events. Patients in the GLP-1RA group also faced a 65% lower risk of alcohol abuse and a 50% lower risk of substance abuse, compared with the group receiving other treatments.

The study’s lead investigator, Professor Ralf Ludwig at the University of Lübeck, said the findings suggested GLP-1 receptor agonists offered protective benefits beyond those of weight and glucose control.

“We hypothesise 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,” he said.

Further analysis comparing the risk reduction with a group of matched controls who did not have psoriasis suggested the benefits of GLP-1RAs were more pronounced for patients with psoriasis and obesity or diabetes than for patients with obesity or diabetes alone.

There was no significant increase in adverse events such as constipation, nausea or hypoglycaemia in the GLP-1 group.

Professor Ludwig said psoriasis management had traditionally focused on managing skin symptoms, but this data pointed to the importance of a more holistic approach for 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,” he said last month.