Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology · Nov 2026
TRENDS IN GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 RECEPTOR AGONIST USE AMONG ADULTS WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS: SERIAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
By Racsa P, Zhang Y, Altoe M et al.
Introduction Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (MTS AD) is common among patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes. This creates overlap of biologic therapies for MTS AD and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which have benefits beyond glycemic control. However, real-world evidence describing the concomitant use of biologics and GLP-1 RA in MTS AD is limited. Methods We conducted a serial cross-sectional period and annual period prevalence study using claims from Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics®Data Mart and Merative™ MarketScan® databases (2017–2025); exempt from IRB review. Adults (≥18 years) with ≥2 AD claims were included; MTS AD was determined using a validated claims-based algorithm utilizing diagnosing provider type and AD therapies. National Drug Codes identified GLP-1 RAs and biologics. Results From 2017-2025, GLP-1 RA prevalence in AD was 7.0% and 7.7%, increasing annually from 0.9% to 7.1% and 0.9% to 8.3% in Optum®CDM and MarketScan®, respectively. Among MTS AD patients, GLP-1 RA prevalence was 8.4% and 9.7%, increasing annually from 1.1% to 9.5% and 0.9% to 10.9%, in Optum®CDM and MarketScan®, respectively. Among MTS AD biologic users, GLP-1 RA prevalence was 9.6% and 10.1%, increasing annually from 0.3% to 10.9% and 0.6% to 10.8%, in Optum®CDM and MarketScan®, respectively. Conclusion This first large-scale, longitudinal characterization of GLP-1 RA uptake across MTS AD found GLP-1 RA use increased 9–12 fold from 2017 to 2025; by 2025 1-in-10 biologic-treated MTS AD patients received GLP-1 RAs. GLP-1 RA use with biologics is rising and may bias results if unmeasured; clinical trials should consider measuring or stratifying baseline GLP-1 RA use.