GLP-1 study aims to use medication to help cats lose weight

Obesity in pets, particularly cats and dogs, may soon be treated with GLP-1 medications designed to aid in weight reduction and diabetes management. Although many enjoy seeing chubby cats online, excess weight can significantly shorten a cat's life and increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Approximately 60% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight, with a substantial number also suffering from diabetes, a condition that demands frequent daily injections from owners to manage.

San Francisco-based Okava Pharmaceuticals has launched a new clinical study named MEOW-1, targeting obesity in cats. Currently, weight management options for felines are limited to diet and physical activity, which often prove ineffective, as cats are less responsive to exercise than dogs.

The MEOW-1 trial will involve 50 cats, each receiving a tiny implant smaller than a microchip. Some cats will be given a placebo, while others will receive an implant that gradually releases a GLP-1 medication over three months. All participants will be monitored for six months to track outcomes.

If the study demonstrates positive results, Okava plans to pursue FDA approval by 2027 or 2028. Early research indicates that the drug is safe for feline use. The company notes that, similar to human treatments, the medication may be costly, with an estimated price of $100 per month.

Following the feline trial, Okava intends to explore GLP-1 therapies for dogs, expanding potential treatment options for obesity and diabetes in pets.

Author: Olivia Parker