Adults with psoriasis who received glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists had lower risks of death and cardiovascular events compared with those treated with other antidiabetic or antiobesity drugs, according to data presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress 2025.

In a matched cohort study, patients prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) had a 78% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 44% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The analysis also showed a 65% lower risk of alcohol abuse and nearly 50% lower risk of substance abuse among these patients. No increases in adverse events, including hypoglycemia, nausea, or constipation, were reported.

“These benefits appeared especially pronounced in psoriasis patients compared with matched controls,” said Ralf J. Ludwig, MD, Professor and Director at the Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Germany, during the presentation. “GLP-1 receptor activation may inhibit proinflammatory mediators, which are elevated in people with psoriasis.”

He added that “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."

Researchers used a US claims database covering more than 110 million patients. The analysis included 3,048 adults with psoriasis and either diabetes or obesity who were treated with GLP-1 RAs. They were matched with 3,048 patients with similar characteristics who received other antidiabetic or antiobesity medications. Eligible patients had a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis that required systemic therapy and received uninterrupted treatment for at least 24 months. Risk reductions were consistent across sensitivity analyses.

“Given their safety profile and the range of benefits observed, GLP-1RAs could become a preferred treatment for people with psoriasis who also require therapy for diabetes or weight management,” Prof. Ludwig said. “Psoriasis management has traditionally focused on controlling skin symptoms, but these findings emphasise the need to consider the wider health risks faced by patients.”

The data were presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress 2025, held in Paris and online from September 17 to 20, 2025.