Biotech Pushes Ozempic-Like Implant For Dogs By 2028
Over the past few years, a new wave of weight-loss drugs has made headlines in celebrity circles. Medications initially developed for diabetes management, such as Ozempic, are now widely known for their ability to reduce appetite by altering how the brain interprets hunger signals.
Many public figures, including Amy Schumer and Stephen Fry, have openly acknowledged using these treatments to slim down. With this growing interest in appetite-controlling drugs for humans, scientists are now asking whether a similar approach could help pets, especially in countries where obesity among companion animals has become a significant concern.
In the UK, a 2024 report from UK Pet Food estimated that nearly half of the nation’s dogs are overweight. Extra pounds can put strain on their joints, increase the risk of diabetes, and shorten their lifespan.
Because traditional methods—controlled diets and more activity don’t always work for every household, biotech teams are exploring whether a medical alternative could offer support.
One company at the centre of this research is Okava, a San Francisco-based biopharma firm that focuses entirely on pet health. The company is preparing early-stage trials for a new drug designed to mimic the appetite-reducing effects of Ozempic-like medications.
They aim to create a long-acting implant that could help dogs eat more appropriate portions and reduce constant begging for treats. If development stays on track, Okava hopes to release OKV-119 by 2028.
A six-month GLP-1–style implant aims to curb dogs’ overeating without taking away their love of food.
Although the NHS does not officially approve Ozempic itself as a weight-loss treatment, it contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 mimetic. This hormone plays a key role in controlling blood sugar and signalling fullness. When GLP-1 levels rise, the brain receives a message that enough food has been consumed, a mechanism that explains why people taking drugs like Ozempic often find their appetite shrinking.
Okava’s implant would use exenatide, another substance that acts similarly to GLP-1. The device would be placed under the skin and remain effective for 6 months. According to the company, the goal isn’t to stop dogs from enjoying food, but to curb the overeating behaviours many owners find difficult to manage. The idea is that dogs would still eat regularly but without obsessing over food or resorting to scavenging for scraps.
Michael Klotsman, Okava’s chief executive, told The Guardian that the behavioural changes should be subtle rather than alarming. He explained that owners would ideally notice their dogs eating every day meals without the intense begging or frantic gulping that can lead to excessive calorie intake. In other words, the implant is meant to support healthy habits, not eliminate a dog’s natural interest in food.
Dogzempic sparks backlash as pet owners question its safety and need.
But even before trials have begun, the proposed treatment, informally nicknamed “Dogzempic” online, has already stirred strong reactions among pet lovers. Social media users quickly voiced their frustration, calling the idea unnecessary or profit-driven rather than genuinely concerned about animal welfare.
Some commenters argued that owners should focus on better feeding routines and regular exercise instead of turning to medication. Others expressed fear about side effects, pointing out that human users of weight-loss drugs have reported various complications and questioning whether similar risks might appear in animals.
Animal welfare organisations have also urged caution. Caroline Allen, Chief Veterinary Officer at the RSPCA, told The Independent that while weight management can be challenging for many dog owners, no medication should replace basic care.
She emphasised that exercise and a balanced diet remain the safest and most effective ways to help pets stay healthy. At this stage, she added, there is very little publicly available information about weight-loss implants or vaccines for animals, meaning owners should not expect a quick medical fix to enter the market anytime soon.
As new studies move forward, the discussion raises a broader issue about the future of pet care. Are medications designed to control a pet’s weight the next step for owners, or should attention stay on daily habits like diet, exercise, and routine checkups?
At this stage, there is no firm conclusion. What is clear is that the conversation is far from over, and both approaches will likely shape how we care for animals in the years ahead.
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