First GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment for Pets Begins Clinical Trial

The first GLP-1 weight loss treatment for pets has begun clinical testing, with researchers successfully administering the medication to a cat in a groundbreaking study. San Francisco-based OKAVA Pharmaceuticals announced the milestone as part of its MEOW-1 clinical trial, which is testing an “ultra-long acting” GLP-1 implant designed specifically for weight management in cats.

The investigational treatment, known as OKV-119, represents the first adaptation of the popular human weight loss medication technology for domestic animals. According to OKAVA, the implant could have significant implications beyond weight management, potentially addressing diabetes, kidney disease, and contributing to overall longevity in pets.

Unlike traditional medications that require frequent dosing, the OKV-119 implant delivers a continuous release of a GLP-1 receptor agonist for up to six months following a single administration during a routine veterinary visit. This approach could solve a major challenge in pet medication compliance.

“Caloric restriction, or fasting, is one of the most well-established interventions for extending lifespan and improving metabolic health in cats,” explained Michael Klotsman, Ph.D., CEO of OKAVA Pharmaceuticals. “But it’s also one of the hardest to maintain.”

The technology aims to mimic the physiological effects of fasting—including improved insulin sensitivity, reduced fat mass, and more efficient energy metabolism—without requiring significant changes to feeding routines. This preserves the human-animal bond that often centers around food, according to researchers.

The MEOW-1 study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of the medication in overweight or obese cats. Results will inform future development for feline applications and guide similar research for dogs, which is already in planning stages.

The adaptation of GLP-1 technology for pets comes amid a growing obesity epidemic in domestic animals. Dr. W. Chris Hummel, a veterinarian at Lovet Pet Health Care in Phoenix who is not involved in the study, confirmed that several GLP-1 medications are currently under investigation for use in pets.

“Preliminary evidence suggests that GLP-1 and GLP-like drugs can be effective alternative therapies for diabetes mellitus, otherwise known as sugar diabetes,” Dr. Hummel said. “Diabetes mellitus is one of the fastest-growing diseases in cats and dogs, largely on the heels of the pet obesity epidemic.”

The development follows the remarkable success of GLP-1 medications in human medicine, where drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have transformed weight management and diabetes treatment. These medications work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite.

For pet medications, the primary administration challenge has been the need for regular injections. “The medications are given by injection, so long-acting combinations are currently being investigated for efficacy and duration,” Dr. Hummel explained. “The data is still early, but promising.”

The veterinary adaptation of this technology could be particularly significant for cats, which are notoriously difficult to medicate consistently. An implant requiring only twice-yearly administration could drastically improve compliance rates and treatment outcomes.

Industry analysts suggest the pet weight management market represents a substantial opportunity. With approximately 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States classified as overweight or obese according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, effective treatments could address a significant health concern affecting millions of animals.

If successful, the OKAVA treatment could represent the first of many crossover applications from human medicine to veterinary care in the growing field of metabolic health management.