Researchers have initiated a pioneering drug trial aimed at assisting pets in shedding excess weight. Okava Pharmaceuticals, a US-based company, has launched a study named MEOW-1 (‘ManagEment of Over Weight cats’), marking the first weight loss trial for household pets. Up to 50 cats will receive the implant and undergo weight assessments after three months as part of the trial. If successful, a similar study may be conducted on dogs in the future.
The novel drug, OKV-119, leverages a customized version of the GLP-1 receptor agonists present in popular human weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Michael Klotsman, the CEO of Okava, elucidated that OKV-119 aims to simulate the beneficial effects of caloric restriction without necessitating significant alterations in feeding routines or disrupting the bond between humans and their pets.
Okava’s spokesperson highlighted the drug’s potential to enhance pets’ quality of life, support healthy aging, and become a pivotal life-extending therapy for cats. The company strives to keep the drug’s cost under $100 (£75) per month, which is lower than the private prescription price of £125 for Wegovy in the UK.
Moreover, Okava emphasized that preliminary studies have demonstrated the safety and advantages of the implant and GLP-1 treatment for pets. The company stated that the medication functions similarly in pets and humans, prompting pet owners to anticipate meaningful behavioral changes in their animals.
The MEOW-1 trial will be overseen by the US Food and Drug Administration under its New Animal Drug (INAD) program, evaluating the safety, tolerability, and weight loss efficacy of OKV-119 in overweight or obese client-owned cats. Okava underscored the transformative health benefits of weight management for cats, emphasizing that weight reduction is crucial for extending a cat’s lifespan and reducing the risk of diabetes and joint pain associated with excess body weight.
Recent data revealed that a significant percentage of British dogs are overweight or obese, primarily due to overfeeding and lack of exercise by owners. Despite this, a large portion of pet owners do not recognize their pets’ weight issues. Concerns have been raised about the portrayal of overweight pets as ‘cute’ or ‘cuddly’ on social media platforms, as excess weight elevates the likelihood of health problems and reduces lifespan. Owners are encouraged to address pet weight problems by monitoring food intake, minimizing treats, and increasing physical activity.