An Open-Label, Single-Center Proof of Concept Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide for Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Acosta-Madiedo. Ana Sofia AS; Gutierrez. Marcela M; Gutierrez. Martha M; Villacampa. Alan A; Kerdel. Francisco F
Key Findings
- 80% of participants achieved the primary skin‑improvement endpoint (HiSCR) after 24 weeks of tirzepatide.
- Significant reductions in pain, dermatologist‑rated disease severity, and quality‑of‑life scores were observed.
- Participants experienced weight loss and favorable metabolic changes with good safety and adherence.
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers dealing with HS and excess weight, tirzepatide appears to be a promising off‑label option that may improve skin lesions while also aiding weight loss. Start with a low weekly dose and titrate up as tolerated, monitoring skin response and metabolic markers. Larger trials are needed, so use caution and consider medical supervision before trying this protocol.
Summary
A small open‑label trial gave 20 overweight adults with moderate‑to‑severe hidradenitis suppurativa weekly tirzepatide for 24 weeks. Eighty percent hit the main success measure (HiSCR), and participants also reported better skin scores, less pain, and better quality‑of‑life, while losing weight. The drug was well tolerated and benefits lingered a bit after stopping.
Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with obesity and metabolic dysregulation. Current therapies yield variable benefits and do not target metabolic drivers. Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, induces weight loss and exerts anti-inflammatory effects, offering a potential novel approach for the treatment of HS. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in adults with moderate-to-severe HS. In this open-label, single-center, single-arm proof-of-concept study, 20 adults with moderate-to-severe HS (Physician's Global Assessment greater than or equal to 3; BMI greater than or equal to 27) received once-weekly tirzepatide, titrated to maximum tolerated dose, for 24 weeks, followed by an 8-week washout. The primary endpoint was Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) at week 24. Secondary endpoints included changes in PGA, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), pain visual analog scale (VAS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Analyses were conducted using an intention-to-treat approach. At week 24, 16 of 20 participants (80.0%; P<0.00001) achieved HiSCR. Improvements were also observed in DLQI, VAS, and PGA scores, with some benefits persisting through week 32. Treatment was well tolerated, with high adherence and favorable metabolic effects. Single-center, open-label design, modest sample size. Tirzepatide demonstrated promising efficacy and tolerability in patients with moderate-to-severe HS and obesity. Larger randomized trials are warranted to confirm efficacy, durability, and safety. &nbsp.
Study Information
pubmed
2025
2025-12-01T00:00:00.000Z
10.36849/jdd.9569