Groundbreaking GLP-1 implant trial could revolutionize feline weight loss

A new weight loss trial for felines is set to begin this week. Okava Pharmaceuticals, based in San Francisco, will test a GLP-1 drug using a tiny implant. The study, called MEOW-1, marks the first time this approach has been used on household pets.

The trial will involve up to 50 cats, with weight checks after three months and ongoing monitoring for six months. Instead of relying on diet or exercise, the company will use exenatide, a GLP-1 drug different from human weight loss treatments like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The drug will be delivered continuously through a miniature implant, OKV-119.

GLP-1 drugs work by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, leading to weight loss. Okava claims this method improves glucose control and eases joint pain linked to obesity. If successful, the company plans to extend the study to dogs, expecting similar benefits such as increased energy and behavioral changes.

Okava aims to seek FDA approval for the treatment between 2027 and 2028. Pet owners could eventually pay around $100 per month out of pocket for the treatment.

Weight loss in cats can extend their lifespan, lower diabetes risk, and relieve joint pain. The MEOW-1 trial will test whether GLP-1 implants offer a practical solution for feline obesity. Results from the six-month study will determine the next steps for approval and wider use.