Overview
- Okava says the first cat has received OKV-119, a tiny subcutaneous implant designed to release a GLP-1 drug for up to six months.
- The pilot intends to enroll roughly 50 overweight or obese cats for a three-month observation period with an optional three-month extension.
- The study is conducted under the FDA’s Investigational New Animal Drug oversight to evaluate safety, tolerability, and weight-loss efficacy, led by Dr. Chen Gilor at the University of Florida.
- Okava targets a cost near $100 per month and uses delivery technology from Vivani Medical to support long-term adherence with a single implant.
- Veterinarians cite prior off-label use of human GLP-1s in feline diabetes and highlight open questions on effectiveness, side effects, and owner acceptance as Okava eyes larger trials and an FDA filing as early as 2027–2028.