Okava Pharmaceuticals, based in San Francisco, plans to announce a pilot study on Tuesday to test a GLP-1 drug in obese cats, according to the New York Times. This initiative follows the growing trend of weight-loss drugs previously developed for diabetes in humans, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which have gained popularity for their weight loss efficacy.
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In the study, cats will receive a small implant under the skin designed to release medication over six months, providing a low-maintenance alternative to weekly injections for humans. This approach aims to address the increasing rates of obesity in pets.
A 2024 report from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention indicates that awareness regarding pet weight is rising, with only 55 percent of cat owners and 51 percent of dog owners believing their pets have an ideal body condition, a decline from previous years. Additionally, more owners are recognizing their pets as overweight or obese, with figures rising to 33 percent for cats and 35 percent for dogs, compared to 28 percent and 17 percent the previous year.
Okava plans to price its GLP-1 implant at $100 a month or less, similar to the cost of high-end pet food, which could offer savings for owners managing diabetes. However, the price may still be out of reach for some. Currently, diabetic pets often require costly and labor-intensive insulin injections. Dr. Maryanne Murphy, a veterinary nutritionist, noted that while previous appetite-suppressing medications such as Slentrol were effective, they faced backlash from owners who associate feeding with affection.
Dr. Chen Gilor, a veterinarian leading the study, emphasized the potential of the new implant, calling it 'magic,' while also stating that diabetes, though treatable, is poorly managed in practice. Some veterinarians have been using human GLP-1 drugs off-label for diabetic cats, yet issues such as high costs and limited effectiveness for advanced cases persist. Dr. Andrew Bugbee, a veterinary endocrinologist, suggested that targeting prediabetic, obese pets with pet-specific, affordable medications may be a more viable approach. Results from the study are anticipated next summer, potentially paving the way for GLP-1 drugs in veterinary care.