Revolutionary Once-Weekly Therapy for Cats' Weight Management
A Cornell University-led study evaluates a novel protein therapy designed to help cats achieve a healthier body condition with convenient once-a-week dosing.
Akston, recognized as the Biotech Built for Pets, has recently announced the initiation of a clinical trial at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. This landmark study aims to evaluate its innovative once-weekly GLP-1 weight-management therapy for cats. The trial is set to analyze the therapy over a period of approximately three months involving client-owned domestic cats struggling with excess weight.
The Challenge of Feline Obesity
Excess weight is among the most prevalent health concerns for cats today. According to findings from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), a staggering 61% of domestic cats in the U.S. were classified as overweight or obese in recent evaluations. This highlights the imperative need for advanced veterinary care tools and methods. Notably, there has been an increase in awareness amongst cat owners: a recent survey revealed that 33% of cat parents classified their cats as overweight, compared to 28% the previous year.
How the GLP-1 Therapy Works
The cutting-edge therapy designed by Akston revolves around a next-generation GLP-1 protein, aimed at helping cats better regulate their appetite. Preclinical studies conducted by Cornell University on laboratory cats demonstrated no adverse effects, ensuring a safe option for use. Pharmacokinetics (PK) analysis confirmed that this candidate supports once-weekly administration. It utilizes the company’s proprietary Fc-fusion protein platform, allowing for quicker and cost-effective development of therapies while optimizing interactions with the immune system for extended efficacy.
Advancing Veterinary Medicine
“Feline obesity is one of the most common yet least effectively treated health issues in veterinary medicine,” shared Todd Zion, PhD, the co-founder and CEO of Akston. “By advancing a once-weekly GLP-1 therapy, we're addressing a significant unmet need, ultimately aiming to offer cats a chance at longer, healthier lives.”
The enrollment process for this pivotal study has now commenced at Cornell University, working to screen and recruit the first 70 cats for participation, with future plans to expand enrollment to 140 participants if needed.
Significance for Veterinarians and Pet Owners
“Providing veterinarians with a tool to effectively manage feline obesity would be a tremendous breakthrough,” stated Patrick Carney, DVM, PhD, an Associate Professor at Cornell University. “We are witnessing a surge of interest from cat owners eager to enroll their pets, which is crucial for the necessary data to support the regulatory approval process.”
In parallel, Akston is advancing related GLP-1 programs aimed at dogs, which are approximately six months behind the feline initiative. Considering the investment in veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturing and potential success of the clinical trials, the company anticipates substantial market opportunities in the companion-animal obesity treatment sector.
About Akston
Akston is the Biotech Built for Pets. Utilizing a proprietary Fc-fusion protein platform, the company focuses on developing innovative immuno-enhancing and targeted protein treatments designed to reduce the frequency of treatments while enhancing their effectiveness. With a solid vertical structure and a state-of-the-art GMP biologics facility, Akston accelerates the journey from discovery to commercial manufacturing, ensuring that groundbreaking solutions reach veterinarians and the pets we cherish more swiftly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of Akston's clinical trial?
The clinical trial aims to evaluate a once-weekly GLP-1 weight-management therapy designed for cats to help them achieve a healthier body condition.
Which institution is conducting the clinical trial?
The clinical trial is being conducted at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
What problem does the GLP-1 therapy address?
The GLP-1 therapy addresses the widespread issue of feline obesity, which is among the most common health problems in cats today.
Is the therapy safe based on initial studies?
Yes, preclinical studies indicated that the therapy has no adverse effects and supports once-weekly dosing safely.
What future plans does Akston have regarding animal treatments?
Akston plans to advance an analogous GLP-1 program for dogs, which is currently about six months behind the feline program, reflecting their commitment to addressing obesity in companion animals.
