Vivani And Okava Expand GLP-1 Implant Program To Dogs For Obesity And Metabolic Health

Vivani Medical and Okava Pharmaceuticals have expanded their partnership to include dogs in the development of OKV-119, a long-acting GLP-1 therapy aimed at weight management, diabetes, and cardiometabolic conditions. Initially focused on cats, the program now addresses the growing concern of obesity and metabolic decline in ageing dogs. OKV-119 uses Vivani’s NanoPortal™ implant technology, delivering steady doses of medication over six months or longer, which aligns with Vivani's human-focused NPM-115 program for chronic weight management.

"Caloric restriction, or fasting, is one of the most well-established interventions for extending the lifespan and improving metabolic health in dogs. But it is also one of the hardest to maintain. OKV-119 mimics many of the physiological effects of fasting, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced fat mass and more efficient energy metabolism without requiring significant changes in feeding routines or disrupting the human-animal bond that often centres around food," said Okava CEO Michael Klotsman, PhD, MBA. 

With more than 50% of dogs in the U.S. overweight or obese, this condition is linked to chronic illness, reduced mobility, and shortened lifespans. Like ageing humans, dogs experience metabolic slowdowns, leading to weight gain, insulin resistance, and muscle loss. Research suggests that maintaining a lean body condition can extend a dog’s life by more than two years. OKV-119 aims to restore metabolic health with a single, long-acting implant, offering a convenient “One-and-Done” solution that improves adherence and potentially revolutionises preventive care in pets.

Vivani CEO Adam Mendelsohn, PhD, commented, "This collaboration aligns with Vivani’s broader mission to develop innovative medicines that will revolutionise the treatment of chronic diseases by leveraging proprietary drug delivery technologies. This expanded partnership with Okava reflects our shared confidence in the potential of NanoPortal technology to serve a broad array of prospective beneficiaries in managing metabolic disease. 

He further added, “The structure of this expanded partnership minimises costs and risks for Vivani while integrating upside potential for Vivani shareholders through future milestone payments and royalties. Together with Okava, we are broadening our technology's reach, meeting unmet veterinary medicine needs while positioning Vivani to capture future value within an industry segment experiencing continued and unprecedented growth."  

The goal of OKV-119 is to enhance the quality of life and promote healthy ageing in dogs through a minimally invasive, ultra-long-acting therapy. The successful delivery of GLP-1 receptor agonists through the implant could pave the way for OKV-119 to become a life-extending breakthrough in veterinary medicine.