By Allison Sit
Semaglutide – a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1RA – improved outcomes for obese patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), according to a study presented at EADV Congress 2024. The study assessed 30 patients who received semaglutide once a week with a mean dose of 0.8 mg for an average of 8.2 months. Patients were all obese with varying stages of HS.
Patients in the study experienced a variety of benefits. The average flare up frequency extended from once every 8.5 weeks to once every 12 weeks. The Dermatology Life Quality Index score reduced from an average of 13/30 to 9/30. The average BMI decreased from 43.1 to 41.5, and one-third of patients lost 10kg or more during the treatment period. Biochemical markers also improved, showing better glycemic control and reduced inflammation.
“While the drug’s role in promoting weight loss is well-established, what’s particularly exciting is its potential to also reduce the frequency of HS flare-ups, contributing to the notable improvements observed in patients’ quality of life,” said Dr. Daniel Lyons, lead researcher. “The results are highly encouraging and could represent a major breakthrough in HS treatment. To build on this progress, larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings.”
This is the first study of its kind to explore the use of semaglutide for HS.
The Accure Laser System received a new FDA Clearance for the long-term treatment of mild to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris. The system is a 1726nm laser with proprietary technology that targets the sebaceous gland. According to the manufacturer, multiple IRB-approved clinical trials in the U.S. have shown an average of 70% reduction in inflammatory lesion count at 6 months after participants completed four treatments spaced about one month apart. The manufacturer says the benefits occurred no matter the skin type or acne severity.
“Our journey in understanding the unique nature of this wavelength and the clinical requirements needed to deliver significant clinical outcomes was certainly challenging,” said Emil Tanghetti, MD, founder of The Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery in Sacramento, Calif. and the first Accure laser investigator. “The technical innovations of using temperature as an endpoint, combined with forced air cooling and real-time monitoring algorithms has produced a solution that stands alone from more traditional power-based methods. This unique laser has a platform that can be modified and adjusted to possibly treat a number of other skin conditions.”
The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) awarded Ronald Moy, MD, the Samuel J. Stegman, MD, Award for Distinguished Service. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of dermatologic surgery through education, organizational service and research.
Dr. Moy is a past president of the ASDS as well as the American Academy of Dermatology and American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. He has more than 200 published scholarly articles, and has volunteered at the Venice Family Clinic for the last 20 years.
The award, established in 1996, pays tribute to the legacy of Dr. Samuel J. Stegman, who, according to ASDS, played a critical role in the evolution of dermatologic surgery and fostered the growth of the organization.
