Lack of effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on psoriasis in glucose-tolerant patients--a randomized placebo-controlled trial

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2015 Mar;29(3):555-9. doi: 10.1111/jdv.12629. Epub 2014 Aug 20.

Abstract

Background: It has been proposed that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists used for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes might also improve their psoriasis.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of the GLP-1R agonist liraglutide in glucose-tolerant patients with plaque psoriasis.

Methods: A total of 20 obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m(2)), glucose-tolerant patients with plaque psoriasis (psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) of at least 8) were randomized 1:1 to once-daily subcutaneous injections with liraglutide or placebo for an 8-week period. The primary end points were improvement in PASI and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Secondary end points included changes in weight and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, as well as adverse events.

Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, no significant change in PASI was found in the liraglutide group (mean±standard deviation: -2.6 ± 2.1) compared with the placebo group (-1.3 ± 2.4) (P = 0.228). No difference in DLQI was observed between the groups [-2.5 ± 4.4 (liraglutide) vs. -3.7 ± 4.8 (placebo); P = 0.564]. HsCRP did not change in any of the groups (0.26 ± 1 (placebo) vs. 0.25 ± 2.2 (liraglutide); P = 0.992). Liraglutide treatment resulted in a bodyweight loss of 4.7 ± 2.5 kg compared with 1.6 ± 2.7 kg in the placebo group (P = 0.014) accompanied by decreased cholesterol levels. No serious adverse events occurred during the 8-week observation period. The most common complaint was transient nausea, which occurred in 45% of the liraglutide-treated patients but in none from the placebo group.

Conclusion: Liraglutide treatment for 8 weeks did not significantly change PASI, DLQI, or hsCRP in a small group of glucose-tolerant obese patients with plaque psoriasis compared with placebo. A significant weight loss and decrease in cholesterol levels was observed in liraglutide-treated patients.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor / agonists*
  • Glucose Tolerance Test*
  • Humans
  • Liraglutide / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Registries*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
  • Liraglutide
  • Adalimumab