A matched cohort analysis of 6,096 psoriasis patients reveals that GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide reduced all-cause mortality by approximately 40% compared to standard diabetes and obesity medications over two years. The study also documented significant reductions in cardiovascular events and psychiatric complications, conditions that disproportionately affect psoriasis patients due to systemic inflammation.
This finding represents a potential paradigm shift in psoriasis management beyond traditional dermatological treatments. Psoriasis patients face elevated risks of heart disease, depression, and metabolic dysfunction—comorbidities that appear responsive to GLP-1 therapy's anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects. The mortality benefit exceeds what's typically seen in diabetes-only populations, suggesting psoriasis patients may derive unique advantages from these medications. However, the observational design cannot establish causation, and the two-year follow-up may not capture long-term safety profiles. The research builds on emerging evidence that GLP-1 agonists possess anti-inflammatory properties beyond glucose control, potentially addressing the underlying inflammatory cascade that drives both psoriasis and its comorbidities. For clinicians, this suggests considering metabolic health as integral to comprehensive psoriasis care.