Photo: Alavinphoto / Moment / Getty Images
America’s obesity crisis extends beyond humans — studies suggest that around 60% of dogs and cats nationwide are overweight. The consequences are far from fluffy. Those extra pounds can lead to serious health issues, sky-high vet bills, and fewer years with your furry friend. Pharmaceutical companies are sniffing out new territory, tapping the same science behind blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to develop similar treatments for pets. One biotech firm, Okava, expects to roll out its animal-friendly version by the end of the decade — hoping to give your portly pooch or hefty house cat a chance at a leaner, longer life. To address the problem, Okava and Vivani Medical are partnering to develop OKV-119, a long-acting implant designed to support weight loss in dogs and cats. Roughly the size of a standard tracking chip, the device delivers a steady dose of exenatide for up to six months. Similar to semaglutide and tirzepatide — the active ingredients in human drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound — exenatide imitates a hormone called GLP-1, which helps decrease appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and slow digestion.
Link: https://nypost.com/
Photo: Getty Images