03 Sep NYU: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Hair Loss: What a Mendelian Randomization Study Reveals About Genetic Risk
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Lynn Petukhova, PhD
Assistant Professor, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology
Assistant Professor, Department of Population Health
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
NYU Langone Health
Dr. Petukhova[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Petukhova: As GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy are increasingly used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, questions have emerged about whether these medications may be linked to hair loss. Some cases may reflect telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding that can occur after rapid weight loss or major metabolic stress. However, recent observational studies have suggested there may also be a link with androgenetic alopecia, or patterned hair loss, in some individuals. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, GLP-1 receptor agonists are among the most prescribed medication classes for type 2 diabetes and obesity management, making the safety and side effect profile of these drugs a growing area of clinical research. Watch the interview in Video format
Dr. King[/caption]
Brett King, MD, PHD
Dr. King was named an American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) “Patient Care Hero”
for his work treating patients with severe alopecia areata
Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut
Fairfield, Connecticut
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain the condition of Alopecia Areata?
Response: Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune form of hair loss, is common and its treatment has been revolutionized in the past ~3 years with approvals of 3 JAK inhibitors, bariticinib, ritlecitinib and deuruxolitinib. Prior to these approvals, off label treatments included the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and ruxolitinib.