GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of medications that includes semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), and liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), were developed to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. But a growing body of evidence suggests they may also benefit people with hidradenitis suppurativa. A study published in JAMA Dermatology in August 2025 provides the most concrete data yet.
What the 2026 Research Found
The study examined data from 66 HS patients in France who were followed before starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist and again after six months of use. The researchers measured lesion severity, flare frequency, pain, drainage, and quality of life. The results were notable.
| Outcome | Percentage of Patients Who Improved |
|---|---|
| Less severe HS (HS-PGA improved by 1+ point) | 54% |
| Improved by 2 or more points on HS-PGA | 12% |
| Fewer flares | 38% |
| Less pain | 52% |
| Less drainage | 53% |
| Improved quality of life | 50% |
Why Might GLP-1 Medications Help HS?
Researchers propose three main mechanisms through which GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve HS. First, weight loss: obesity is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for HS, and GLP-1 drugs produce significant weight loss in most patients. Reducing body weight reduces skin-on-skin friction in affected areas and decreases the overall inflammatory burden associated with adipose tissue.
Second, diabetes and insulin resistance management: GLP-1 drugs were originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance is associated with higher HS severity. Improving metabolic control may reduce the pro-inflammatory environment that worsens HS.
Third, direct anti-inflammatory effects: GLP-1 receptors are expressed on immune cells, and there is evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists have direct anti-inflammatory properties independent of their weight loss effects. This is an active area of research.
Important Caveats
The 2025 study was retrospective (looking back at existing patient data) and did not include a control group. Some patients in the study were also receiving other HS treatments, making it difficult to isolate the effect of the GLP-1 drug alone. These are significant limitations, and the findings should be interpreted as promising but preliminary rather than definitive.
Additionally, a caution raised at Maui Derm 2026: rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications can temporarily worsen HS in some patients due to increased skin laxity and friction as the body changes shape. This effect is generally temporary, but patients should be aware of it.
Who Might Benefit?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently approved for Type 2 diabetes and obesity. They are not approved specifically for HS. Patients who have HS alongside obesity or Type 2 diabetes may be candidates for GLP-1 therapy for those indications, with potential HS benefit as an additional effect. Patients without diabetes or obesity who are interested in GLP-1 drugs for HS specifically should discuss this with their dermatologist and primary care physician, as off-label prescribing for HS alone is not currently standard practice.
What This Means for the HS Community
GLP-1 medications represent one of the most exciting emerging areas in HS research. Multiple review articles published in 2026 have called for randomized controlled trials to properly evaluate their role in HS management. For patients who are already taking GLP-1 drugs for diabetes or obesity, tracking HS symptoms before and after starting treatment is valuable data. If you notice improvement, document it and share it with your dermatologist.