How Dermatologists Can Incorporate GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Into Psoriasis Care

Interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in dermatology has grown rapidly as emerging evidence suggests these agents may improve inflammatory skin disease while treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dermatology Times previously explored the evolving evidence linking GLP-1 RAs to psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. This new National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) Medical Board primer, published in JAMA Dermatology, shifts the focus from whether GLP-1 RAs may benefit patients with psoriasis to how dermatologists can incorporate them into clinical practice.¹

Rather than presenting new clinical trial data, the review translates existing evidence into practical recommendations for patient selection, counseling, coordination with other specialties, and use alongside established psoriasis therapies. The Medical Board argues that familiarity with GLP-1 RAs is becoming increasingly relevant as more patients with psoriasis arrive already taking these medications for metabolic disease.¹

Patients with psoriasis frequently have obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other cardiometabolic comorbidities that already qualify them for GLP-1 therapy. As prescribing continues to expand across primary care and endocrinology, the authors encourage dermatologists to participate in treatment discussions rather than defer them entirely to other specialists.¹

Which Patients Are Most Likely to Benefit?

The NPF Medical Board suggests GLP-1 RAs are most appropriate as an adjunct for patients with psoriasis and coexisting obesity or type 2 diabetes, rather than as a primary skin-directed therapy.¹ Across reviewed studies, improvements in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were most consistent in patients with metabolic disease. However, the authors caution that available evidence remains limited by small sample sizes and relatively short follow-up periods.

Semaglutide and liraglutide were the most commonly studied agents. Neither is recommended as a psoriasis-specific treatment, and both should continue to be prescribed according to their approved metabolic indications.¹

Setting Expectations With Patients

The primer recommends counseling patients that weight loss and metabolic improvement, not psoriasis clearance, should remain the primary goals when GLP-1 therapy is initiated for an approved metabolic indication.¹ Although some patients experience improvements in psoriasis severity, dermatologists should explain that most available studies followed patients for only about 6 months and were not designed to establish GLP-1 RAs as standalone psoriasis therapies.

The authors also encourage dermatologists to identify patients who may qualify for GLP-1 therapy through existing metabolic indications and initiate conversations early, even if another clinician ultimately prescribes the medication.¹²

Coordinating Care Across Specialties

Because GLP-1 prescribing, dose titration, and safety monitoring typically fall outside routine dermatology practice, the Medical Board recommends close collaboration with primary care physicians and endocrinologists.¹ Dermatologists can reinforce treatment goals, document GLP-1 use alongside psoriasis disease activity, and communicate concerns back to the prescribing clinician.

Adverse events reported across reviewed studies were primarily transient gastrointestinal symptoms, while pancreatitis and gallbladder events occurred infrequently.¹² Dermatologists should routinely ask about GLP-1 use during medication reconciliation and encourage patients to report new gastrointestinal symptoms to the prescribing provider.

Using GLP-1 RAs Alongside Psoriasis Therapy

One of the review's most practical messages is that GLP-1 RAs can generally be used alongside existing psoriasis therapies, including methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologic agents, without new interaction signals emerging in the available literature.¹ This allows patients to continue evidence-based psoriasis treatment while simultaneously addressing important cardiometabolic comorbidities.

Rather than replacing biologics or other systemic therapies, the Medical Board frames GLP-1 RAs as complementary medications that may improve overall health while potentially providing additional benefit for psoriasis in appropriately selected patients.¹² As evidence continues to evolve, the authors suggest dermatologists should view routine screening for GLP-1 use—and readiness to discuss these therapies—as an increasingly important part of comprehensive psoriasis care.

REFERENCES:

1. Sheth S, Merola JF, Weber BN, et al. The National Psoriasis Foundation Primer on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Psoriasis: A Review. JAMA Dermatol. 2026;162(6):619-630. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2026.0859
2. Anderer S. GLP-1 Drugs May Help Treat Psoriasis. JAMA. Published online May 22, 2026. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.6194