In a pioneering move, researchers have initiated a revolutionary drug trial aimed at aiding pets in shedding excess weight. Okava Pharmaceuticals, a US-based company, is embarking on a study called MEOW-1 (‘ManagEment of Over Weight cats’), marking the first weight loss trial ever conducted on domestic animals. About 50 cats are set to participate in the trial, receiving an implant and undergoing weight assessments after three months. Success in this endeavor may pave the way for a similar study on dogs.
The novel drug, OKV-119, utilizes a customized version of GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly present in popular weight loss medications for humans like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Michael Klotsman, the CEO of Okava, elucidated the drug’s mechanism, stating that OKV-119 is engineered to simulate several physiological benefits of fasting in cats, such as enhanced insulin sensitivity, decreased fat mass, and more efficient energy metabolism, without necessitating significant alterations in feeding habits or disrupting the special bond between humans and their pets.
According to an Okava spokesperson, the drug holds promise in enhancing pets’ quality of life, promoting healthy aging, and potentially becoming the most impactful life-extending therapy for cats. The company aims to keep the drug’s monthly cost under $100 (£75), which is lower than the private prescription cost of £125 for Wegovy in the UK.
Okava also affirmed that preliminary studies have demonstrated the safety and advantages of the implant and GLP-1 treatment for pets. The company asserts that the drug functions comparably in pets as it does in humans, indicating that pet owners can anticipate significant behavioral changes in their animals.
Notably, pets are expected to exhibit reduced food-driven behavior, diminished begging tendencies, decreased scavenging, and improved portion control. Beyond changes in appetite, owners may observe more active and lively pets as they shed weight and experience enhanced metabolic health.
The MEOW-1 study will be overseen by the US Federal Drug Association under its New Animal Drug (INAD) program, focusing on evaluating the safety, tolerability, and weight loss effectiveness 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 the sole proven method of extending a cat’s lifespan and reducing diabetes risk and joint pain associated with excess body weight.
Recent data revealed that up to 65% of British dogs are overweight or obese, primarily attributed to overfeeding and lack of exercise by owners. Despite this, a majority of pet owners do not perceive their pets as overweight, with 81% considering their pets to be at an ‘ideal’ weight, as reported by the PDSA in 2022.
Concerns have been raised about the glorification of overweight pets on social media, where excess weight is often portrayed as ‘adorable’ or ‘cuddly.’ Overweight pets are at a heightened risk of developing health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart conditions, which can curtail their lifespan. Pet owners can address weight concerns by monitoring food portions, reducing treats, and increasing physical activity.
