A pioneering drug trial has been initiated by scientists to aid pets in losing weight. Okava Pharmaceuticals, a US-based company, is commencing a study named MEOW-1 (‘ManagEment of Over Weight cats’), marking the first-ever weight loss trial for domestic animals. Approximately 50 cats will receive the implant and undergo weighing after three months as part of the research. Success in this trial could lead to a similar study being conducted on dogs in the future.
The new medication, OKV-119, leverages a customized version of GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly used in human weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Michael Klotsman, CEO of Okava, explained that OKV-119 aims to replicate the beneficial effects of caloric restriction or fasting, such as enhanced insulin sensitivity, reduced fat mass, and improved energy metabolism, without requiring significant alterations in feeding habits or disrupting the bond between humans and their pets centered around food.
According to an Okava spokesperson, the drug has the potential to elevate the quality of life, support healthy aging, and potentially become the most impactful life-extending therapy available for cats. The company plans to maintain the price below $100 (£75) per month, making it more affordable than the £125 Wegovy on private prescriptions in the UK.
Okava also mentioned that preliminary studies have demonstrated the safety and benefits of the implant and GLP-1 treatment for pets. The company asserts that the medication operates similarly in pets and humans, indicating that pet owners can anticipate observing significant behavioral changes in their animals.
Expected changes include reduced food motivation, less begging behavior, controlled scavenging, and improved portion control in pets. Additionally, owners may notice increased activity and energy levels in their pets as they shed weight and enhance their metabolic health.
The MEOW-1 study will be overseen by the US Food and Drug Administration through its New Animal Drug (INAD) program, focusing on evaluating the safety, tolerability, and weight-loss efficacy of OKV-119 in overweight or obese client-owned cats. Okava emphasized the transformative health benefits of weight management for cats, highlighting that weight reduction is the sole proven method to extend a cat’s lifespan and reduce the risk of diabetes and joint pain associated with excess weight.
Recent data revealed that up to 65% of British dogs are overweight or obese, with overfeeding and lack of exercise identified as primary contributors to pets’ excess weight. Despite this, a large majority of pet owners do not recognize their pets’ weight issues, with 81% considering their pets to be at an ‘ideal’ weight according to a 2022 survey by the PDSA.
Concerns have been raised regarding the portrayal of overweight pets as ‘cute’ or ‘cuddly’ on social media platforms, as excess weight can lead to health problems like diabetes, arthritis, and heart conditions, potentially shortening a pet’s lifespan. Owners can address weight problems in their pets by measuring food portions, reducing treats, and increasing physical activity.