GLP-1 Analogs for Psoriatic Arthritis

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 4

Sponsor: Medical College of Wisconsin

Must not be taking: GLP-1 agonists

Disqualifiers: Other PsA study, HbA1c > 10, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 24 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether GLP-1 medications, commonly used for type 2 diabetes and weight management, or nutrition counseling can assist individuals with psoriatic arthritis (a joint condition often accompanied by skin issues) who also face obesity and type 2 diabetes. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a GLP-1 treatment (GLP-1 agonists) or attend nutrition counseling sessions. Ideal participants are those diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, have a BMI of 30 or higher (indicating obesity), and are managing type 2 diabetes. As a Phase 4 trial, this research aims to understand how an already FDA-approved and effective treatment can benefit more patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

What is the safety track record for these treatments?

Research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists, typically used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, might also benefit individuals with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Studies have found that these medications can lower the risk of serious heart problems and reduce death rates in people with PsA.

GLP-1 agonists may also help reduce inflammation, which benefits PsA treatment. Most people tolerate these medications well, though some might experience mild side effects like nausea or diarrhea, which are usually not serious.

Since GLP-1 agonists are already used for other health issues, extensive safety information is available. This makes their use in new areas, like PsA, more reassuring. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?

GLP-1 agonists are unique for treating psoriatic arthritis because they introduce a novel mechanism of action that differs from traditional treatments like NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biologics. These agonists, originally used for diabetes, work by mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, potentially offering anti-inflammatory benefits and improving metabolic health, which traditional options don't address. Researchers are excited because this dual action could not only reduce joint inflammation but also benefit overall health, offering a holistic approach to managing psoriatic arthritis.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for Psoriatic Arthritis?

Research has shown that GLP-1 agonists, one of the treatments studied in this trial, might help people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) by reducing inflammation. In earlier studies, patients using GLP-1 drugs experienced improvements in their psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms. These medications already treat type 2 diabetes and weight problems and may also help lower the risk of major heart issues and death in PsA patients. They might work by reducing inflammation in the body. Overall, GLP-1 agonists have shown potential benefits for managing PsA, especially for those who also have obesity and diabetes. Another treatment arm in this trial involves Nutrition Counseling, which will serve as an active comparator. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with Psoriatic Arthritis who also need treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Participants will be asked to visit the study center up to four times over a 24-week period, complete questionnaires, undergo physical exams, and have blood tests.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30kg/m^2

Participants must be treated for PsA in accordance with guidelines

Have not achieved MDA in PsA patients

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to provide informed consent

I have used GLP-1 agonists before.

Current participation in another PsA study

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are randomized to receive GLP-1 or nutrition counseling for 24 weeks

24 weeks

Up to 4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• GLP-1 agonists
• Nutrition Counseling

Trial Overview The trial is testing whether GLP-1 analogs (medications for type 2 diabetes and weight management) or nutrition counseling can improve disease outcomes in patients with Psoriatic Arthritis. Patients are randomly assigned to one of these two treatments.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Nutrition Counseling Active Control 1 Intervention

Group II: GLP-1 Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Medical College of Wisconsin

Lead Sponsor

Trials

645

Recruited

1,180,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07111494

NCT07111494 | Impact of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) ... The main objectives it aims to answer are: To assess disease outcomes of PsA patients undergoing treatment for concomitant obesity and type 2 diabetes with GLP- ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11575455/

Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Psoriasis and ... The majority of case reports and prospective cohort studies found GLP-1RAs improved psoriasis, while two randomized controlled trials showed ...

3. healio.com healio.com/news/rheumatology/20251104/glp1-receptor-agonists-reduce-cardiovascular-events-mortality-in-psoriatic-arthritis

GLP-1s reduce MACE, mortality in psoriatic arthritis Patients with PsA taking GLP-1 receptor agonists demonstrated reduced mortality. Major adverse cardiovascular events were reduced in ...

4. jrheum.org jrheum.org/content/early/2025/08/10/jrheum.2025-0531

What Clinicians Need to Know About Glucagon-like ... Recent studies also suggest that GLP-1RAs may help manage PsO and PsA in patients with obesity. These medications may offer dual benefits by ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568997225001247

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in ... In RA and PsA, GLP-1 RAs have demonstrated potential disease-modifying effects, reducing inflammatory cytokine expression and improving ...

6. rheumatologyadvisor.com rheumatologyadvisor.com/news/glp-1-receptor-agonists-tied-to-reduced-mortality-in-patients-with-psoriasis/

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Tied to Reduced Mortality in ... Treatment with GLP-1 RAs was linked to decreased risks for all-cause mortality and MACE in patients with psoriasis when compared with other ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4141528/

Effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in ... Studies have demonstrated that treatment with the GLP-1 agonist liraglutide results in anti-inflammatory actions demonstrated by a decreased expression of ...