Effects of Tirzepatide on Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Psoriasis and Obesity: 24-Week Real-World Study
Abstract
Introduction: Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide 1 (GIP/GLP-1) receptor agonist, has provided substantial efficacy in improving weight and cardiometabolic parameters in individuals with obesity. However, data on its metabolic effects in patients with psoriasis remain limited. The objective if the study was to investigate the effects of tirzepatide on selected metabolic parameters, in adults with psoriasis and obesity.
Methods: This prospective observational study included 64 adults with chronic plaque psoriasis and obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2). All patients received tirzepatide 2.5 mg with titration to 5 mg weekly and were maintained on stable ixekizumab therapy. Anthropometric measures, fasting glucose, lipid profile, liver and renal function tests, and visceral adiposity indices were assessed at baseline and week 24.
Results: At week 24, significant reductions in body weight (- 10%), BMI (- 3.5 units) and waist-to-hip ratio (- 8%) (p < 0.001) were observed. Fasting glucose decreased by 11.9% (p < 0.001), while low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (- 6.7%, p < 0.001) and triglycerides (- 15.4%, p = 0.003) improved significantly. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) decreased by 12.4% and 11.6%, respectively. Renal function remained stable. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores decreased from 4.2 ± 3.9 to 1.01 ± 0.9 (- 76%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: In patients receiving low-dose tirzepatide, clinically relevant improvements in selected metabolic parameters were observed, indicating a possible contribution of this treatment within a comprehensive metabolic management strategy for psoriasis and obesity.
Authors: Paolo Gisondi, Giampiero Girolomoni
Journal: Dermatology and therapy