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MEOW-1 Trial Tests Microchip-Sized GLP-1 Implant to Reduce Obesity in Cats

MEOW-1 Trial Tests Microchip-Sized GLP-1 Implant to Reduce Obesity in Cats

Okava Pharmaceuticals has launched MEOW-1, a trial of a microchip-sized implant that releases a GLP-1 drug over three months to treat obesity in cats. The randomized study will enroll 50 cats and monitor safety and weight-loss outcomes for six months. If successful, Okava plans to seek FDA approval in 2027–2028 and later explore a similar option for dogs; estimated cost is about $100 per month.

New GLP-1 Implant Trial Aims To Curb Feline Obesity

San Francisco–based Okava Pharmaceuticals has launched MEOW-1, a clinical study testing a microchip-sized implant that slowly releases a GLP-1 medication to help overweight cats lose weight and reduce diabetes risk. GLP-1 drugs are already used in humans to treat diabetes and promote weight loss, and researchers want to see whether a similar approach can be safe and effective in pets.

Obesity is common among U.S. pets: roughly 60% of dogs and cats are classified as overweight or obese, and experts estimate hundreds of thousands of pets have diabetes — a condition that can require owners to give multiple daily injections and is difficult to manage.

How the MEOW-1 Study Works

The randomized study will enroll 50 cats. Each cat will receive an implant, smaller than a typical microchip, placed under the skin. Some implants will be inert placebos; others will release a GLP-1 drug gradually over a period of about three months. Veterinarians will monitor all enrolled cats for safety and effectiveness for six months after implantation.

Timeline, Cost, And What Comes Next

If the trial shows positive results, Okava plans to pursue U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in 2027 or 2028. The company estimates the treatment cost could be around $100 per month, similar to ongoing GLP-1 costs in human care. Okava also plans to explore a similar GLP-1 product for dogs after completing feline development.

Early preclinical work cited by the company indicates the medication has been safe in prior animal testing, but the MEOW-1 trial will be the first controlled test in pet cats to evaluate safety and weight-loss effects directly.

Why It Matters: A long-acting implant could give pet owners an alternative to strict diets or challenging exercise regimens for cats, and potentially reduce the incidence or severity of pet diabetes if proven safe and effective.

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