Exendin-4 Emerging Therapeutic Potential in Dermatology

Exendin-4 is a synthetic analogue of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that has a potent GLP-1 receptor agonist activity primarily approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Beyond its well-established metabolic actions, research has increasingly revealed the pleiotropic effects of Exendin-4, particularly in regulating inflammation, cellular proliferation, and tissue repair. Given that many dermatological conditions, including psoriasis and chronic wounds, share underlying pathogenic mechanisms such as systemic inflammation and impaired healing, the role of Exendin-4 in skin disorders presents a promising avenue for therapeutic exploration. This review examines the current evidence, primarily from in vitro and animal studies, regarding the direct and indirect influence of Exendin-4 on skin pathology, focusing on its impact on inflammatory dermatoses, wound healing and potential anti-cancer effects.