FAT Jabs: New Hope for Psoriasis Sufferers

A new study suggests that Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in popular weight-loss drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, could offer a dual benefit by treating psoriasis alongside obesity. This debilitating skin condition, characterized by red, itchy, and flaky patches, affects over a million people in the UK.

In a recent third-round trial involving 274 patients, pharmaceutical firm Lilly investigated the efficacy of Zepbound in conjunction with its autoimmune treatment, Taltz. The findings indicated that patients receiving both medications experienced superior outcomes compared to those on Taltz alone.

Over a nine-month follow-up period, 27% of patients on the combined treatment achieved complete skin clearance and lost at least 10% of their body weight. When weight loss was disregarded, 41% of patients on the drug combination reported complete skin clearance, significantly higher than the 29% who saw improvement with Taltz alone and the mere 6% on Taltz by itself.

Notably, almost all trial participants had psoriasis affecting sensitive areas like the face, scalp, or genitals, which are typically challenging to treat. This research is particularly relevant as an estimated 60% of people with psoriasis also live with obesity or are overweight, suggesting a potential for simultaneous treatment of both conditions.