US trials explore GLP-1 treatments as new approach to pet obesity management

Early US studies are testing GLP-1-based therapies to combat the rising tide of obesity in companion animals, signalling a potential new chapter in pet healthcare as the condition becomes increasingly prevalent.

Veterinary medicine may be edging towards a new obesity treatment class for companion animals, as early US trials test GLP-1 approaches similar to those used in human weight loss drugs, CNBC reported. The work reflects a wider shift in pet care, as obesity becomes a more visible chronic disease in dogs and cats.

Cornell University is evaluating a once-weekly GLP-1 treatment in overweight and obese client-owned cats, with the study sponsored by Akston Biosciences. Cornell says the project is designed to assess safety and efficacy, while Akston has said the trial could help shape later studies in dogs. At the same time, OKAVA Pharmaceuticals has begun its MEOW-1 study of OKV-119, an ultra-long-acting implant intended to deliver a GLP-1 receptor agonist for up to six months. Neither product has been approved.

The commercial case is being driven by the scale of the problem. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found 59% of dogs and 61% of cats assessed by US veterinary professionals in 2022 were overweight or obese. For now, standard advice remains diet control, portion management and exercise. But if the drugs prove safe and effective, they could add a new tool for vets managing a condition linked to diabetes, arthritis and shorter lifespans.

Image Source: Akston