Angela Fitch Advocates for GLP-1 Access and HS Trials at Fall Clinical 2026
At Fall Clinical 2026, Dr. Angela Fitch highlights the importance of GLP-1 medication access and proposes a trial for hidradenitis suppurativa.
Dr. Fitch emphasizes the need for broader access to GLP-1 medications beyond weight management.
She proposes a randomized trial for hidradenitis suppurativa, particularly with the upcoming retatrutide.
Fitch believes GLP-1 medications may benefit various inflammatory conditions, pending further research.
During Fall Clinical 2026, Dr. Angela Fitch, co-founder and chief medical officer of Knownwell, discussed strategies for enhancing access to GLP-1 medications and the necessity of conducting a randomized trial for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Her insights were shared during a multidisciplinary panel focused on the implications of these medications in dermatology.
Dr. Fitch, who has a background in obesity medicine, stressed the importance of recognizing patient populations that could benefit from GLP-1 medications beyond just weight management. For instance, medications like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are approved for conditions such as sleep apnea and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, respectively. She noted that raising awareness about these alternative uses is crucial for patient care.
In her presentation, Fitch expressed optimism that future research would demonstrate the efficacy of GLP-1 medications in treating various inflammatory conditions. However, she cautioned that the current understanding is limited, as most studies have focused on patients with obesity. She advocated for personalized discussions with patients who do not fit this profile, as the risks and benefits for them remain largely unexamined.
Fitch's passion for dermatology was evident as she called for a randomized controlled trial specifically for HS, highlighting the potential of retatrutide, a new triple agonist expected to enter the market soon. She believes that such a trial could pave the way for an official indication for HS, thereby expanding treatment options for affected patients.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fitch's proposed trial could significantly impact the treatment landscape for hidradenitis suppurativa. As the medical community anticipates the introduction of retatrutide, further studies may provide the necessary evidence to support its use in this challenging condition, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
