A common skin condition, Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), has been added to the list of ailments that may be improved by Ozempic. HS is an inflammatory disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 people and is strongly associated with obesity. Current treatments for HS include weight loss, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, surgery, and laser therapy, as well as the potential use of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy.
In a new study, 30 obese patients with varying levels of HS received weekly doses of semaglutide for about eight months. On average, participants lost 13 pounds, experienced improvements in blood sugar levels, reduced inflammation in their bodies, and had fewer HS flare-ups. The frequency of these flare-ups decreased from once every 8 ½ weeks to once every 12 weeks. These results were presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology conference in Amsterdam.
Dr. Daniel Lyons, the lead researcher from St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, noted that the findings suggest that even at modest doses, semaglutide can offer substantial benefits in managing HS. He emphasizes that while the drug is known for promoting weight loss, its potential to reduce the frequency of HS flare-ups is particularly exciting and can lead to improvements in patients’ quality of life. Lyons believes that larger trials are needed to confirm these findings and assess the effect of higher doses of semaglutide.
The research findings have sparked interest in exploring the use of weight loss medication, such as semaglutide, as an adjunct to existing HS treatments. The hope is that further research can help improve outcomes for individuals living with this challenging condition. The potential of Ozempic to address conditions beyond Type 2 diabetes and weight loss has been a subject of interest since it was approved by the FDA in 2017. Researchers are exploring its potential benefits in treating issues such as substance abuse and heart disease.
The approval of Ozempic and Wegovy has led to a surge in research to determine the various conditions that these drugs may be beneficial for. The study on the use of semaglutide in managing HS is a promising development that highlights the potential of these medications in addressing a wide range of health issues. The findings from this study provide hope for individuals dealing with HS and suggest that there may be new avenues for managing this challenging condition. Further research is needed to validate these initial findings and explore the full extent of the benefits that semaglutide and similar drugs may offer in treating HS and other conditions.
