Popular weight-loss drugs effective in treating rare and painful skin condition, Irish researchers find

New research found semaglutide, found in diabetes and weight-loss drug Ozempic, could benefit rare skin condition. Illustration: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Semaglutide, the substance found in popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, can also benefit a skin condition affecting 1% of the population, “exciting” new Irish research has found.

The first study to examine this use of the substance found significant benefits for managing hidradenitis suppurative (HS), which causes painful abscesses and scarring on the skin.