San Francisco firm to use diabetes drugs to treat pet obesity

Technology Dec 05, 2025

Okava Pharmaceuticals in San Francisco is testing a new way to help overweight cats slim down—using the same GLP-1 drugs people take for diabetes and weight loss.
Instead of daily shots, tiny implants will release the medicine slowly for six months, making things easier for both pets and their owners.

Why this matters for pets (and their humans)

With about 60% of US cats and dogs now considered obese, vets are worried about rising health issues like diabetes in pets.
Some have already started using these drugs for diabetic cats.
Ernie Ward from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention says veterinarians are "on the precipice of a complete new era in obesity medicine."
Okava is planning dog trials next, so healthier pets might just be around the corner.