Slimming injections have revolutionized the treatment of obesity in humans, and researchers are now seeking to apply the same technique to domestic cats.
"Ozempic for cats!"... A weight-loss drug that could change their lives
San Francisco-based pharmaceutical company Okava announced that it has given its first cat a dose of a new weight-loss treatment, as part of the first phase of its MEOW-1 trial for managing excess weight.
The company aims through this trial to pave the way for the use of Ozempic-like drugs for cats.
The new drug, called OKV-119, is based on a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, the same active ingredient in human medications like Ozempic and Wegovi, which reduces appetite and promotes weight loss. However, the key difference lies in how it's administered to cats: instead of weekly injections as in humans, the implant is inserted under the skin to provide a steady dose for up to six months.
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The MEOW-1 trial involves more than 50 cats, with two-thirds receiving the implant. Weight loss will be monitored for three months, with the possibility of further participation for a similar period. If the drug proves effective, Okava plans to launch a larger trial next year and apply for FDA approval, meaning cats could begin receiving treatment around 2028 or 2029.
Experts point out that the treatment for feline obesity currently relies on a "therapeutic diet," which involves reducing calories and increasing physical activity, but it is often difficult to implement and requires a long commitment, as diets fail due to what veterinarians call "persistent power," that is, the ability of cats to beg for food more than their owners are able to refuse it.
Dr. Michael Klotzman, CEO of OKAVA, says: "Calorie restriction or fasting is one of the most effective ways to extend the lifespan of cats and improve their metabolic health, but it is also one of the most difficult to implement. OKV-119 is designed to mimic the physiological effects of fasting without the need for major dietary changes or disrupting the human-animal bond that is often centered around food."
In a subsequent step, the company plans to test the OKV-119 implants on dogs, with a commercial launch in 2028 or 2029, and monitor potential side effects on behavior.
