Ep. 278 "GLP-1 & GIP Therapies: What They Mean for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis"

Description: 

How do GLP-1 receptor agonists or GIP agonists work and what is the impact for my psoriatic disease? Hear dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and cardio-immunologist Dr. Brittany Weber answer such questions and more.          

Join host Archie Franklin as he takes a deep dive into the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP agonists and the convergence of systemic inflammation related to psoriatic disease with renowned dermatologist and Vice Chair of the NPF Medical Board, Dr. Ronald Prussick from Washington Dermatology Center in Rockville and Frederick, MD, and, cardio-immunologist Dr. Brittany Weber, Director of the Cardio-Rheumatology/ Cardio-Dermatology Program at the University of Texas Southwestern. Learn more about the use of incretin hormones, the impact of weight management on psoriatic disease, metabolic and cardiovascular risk, as well as results from the TOGETHER-Pso and TOGETHER-PsA clinical trials.

 This episode addresses the actions of incretin hormones (GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIP agonist) and how such use may be beneficial in the management of inflammation related to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

 Thank you to Lilly for their support of this program activity.

 Timestamps:

(0:00)  Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and cardio-immunologist Dr. Brittany Weber. 

(1:35)  What are incretin hormones and how GLP-1 or GIP receptor agonists (RA) inhibit appetite to initiate weight loss.

(3:29)  Why GLP-1 RAs are of interest in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(5:23)  The metabolic, cardiovascular, and psoriatic disease convergence.

(7:19)  Will reduction of inflammation impact cardiovascular risk?

(10:59) Treatment challenges associated with having psoriatic disease and being overweight or obese.

(13:45)  Key points around the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists when managing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(17:06)  Results of the TOGETHER-PsO and TOGETHER-PsA phase 3 clinical trials combining use of an IL-17 inhibitor and a GIP and GLP-1                receptor agonist therapy.

(19:07)  Having the conversation of adding a GLP-1 RA medication to a treatment regimen.

(22:40)  The paradigm shift of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the impact they can have on shared inflammatory pathways.

Key Takeaways:

·       Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonists are two incretin hormones that assist in managing excess body weight -- which as a result can be helpful in managing inflammation in the body.

 

·       Psoriasis isn’t just a skin and joint disease. It’s a complex network of systemic inflammation with shared inflammatory pathways that worsens with increased weight impacting the severity of the disease, and accelerates the risk of metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease.

 

·       The best outcomes occur as a result of multidisciplinary collaboration to address the impact of excess weight and systemic inflammation. If you are struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise, speak with your medical team about your options including the use of GLP-1 or GIP agonists.  

Guest Bios:

Renowned dermatologist Ronald Prussick, M.D., Medical Director of the Washington Dermatology Center in Rockville and Fredrick, Maryland, specializes in the treatment of psoriasis along with other diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. Dr. Prussick is also a Clinical Associate Professor in Dermatology at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. Dr. Prussick has a research interest in the impact of diet on psoriatic disease and metabolic health, first becoming interested after being involved in Dr. Joel Gelfand and Dr. Nehal Mehta’s work in vascular inflammation trials using FDG-PET/CT scans to view systemic and cardiovascular inflammation associated with psoriatic disease. Dr. Prussick has since participated in the development of the 2018 Dietary Recommendations for Adults with Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis and more recently the position statement “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Psoriasis: A Primer from the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board”. Dr. Prussick is Vice Chair of the NPF Medical Board which provides clinical direction, treatment guidance, and education oversight to the organization and its Executive leaders.

 Brittany Weber, M.D., Ph.D. is a cardio-immunologist who is the Director of the Cardio-Rheumatology/ Cardio-Dermatology Program at the University of Texas Southwestern. She is also a member of the Division of Cardiology, a clinical investigator, and imaging specialist. Dr. Weber’s research integrates advanced imaging, molecular biology, clinical trials, and population health to understand how systemic inflammation and immune deregulation drives cardiovascular dysfunction. Prior to joining UT Southwestern in 2025, Dr. Weber served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and was the Director of the Cardio-Rheumatology Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a nationally recognized clinic addressing inflammation-related heart disease through collaborative, patient centered care. Dr. Weber is also an author on the position statement “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Psoriasis: A Primer from the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board”.

Resources:

“The Metabolic Collison and How You Can Take Control with Psoriatic Disease” podcast episode with dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick and registered dietitian Danielle Cahalan  

“NPF Medical Board Issues GLP-1 Primer for Dermatologists” Press Release

“Finding My Path to Managing Psoriatic Disease and Excess Weight” podcast episode featuring dermatologist Dr. Erin Boh, patient advocate Brian Lehrschal, and moderator Jennifer Bomberger.