A Chinese pharmaceutical company, Huadong Medicine, has announced that its newly developed weight-loss drug for cats is undergoing the market approval process, sparking discussions among pet owners and netizens.
According to Jiemian News, Huadong Medicine recently confirmed that its marketing registration application for the Class I veterinary drug has been accepted by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The drug is specifically designed for weight management in adult obese cats.
Under China’s regulatory procedures for new veterinary drugs, the approval review is expected to take approximately one year, the report noted. The medication requires weekly subcutaneous injections.
Phase III clinical trials demonstrated the drug’s effectiveness in reducing feline obesity. After six weeks of treatment at the recommended dose, cats in the study lost an average of 9.26% of their body weight, with 72.31% of animals achieving weight loss exceeding 5% of their baseline weight. Researchers reported that cats tolerated the drug well, with no adverse reactions observed.
Huadong Medicine emphasized that the drug has been specifically optimized for cats, with administration methods and dosages designed for pets rather than humans. The company said the specifications are tailored to ensure accurate and safe treatment for obese cats.
The announcement has drawn attention online, with some pet owners expressing curiosity about applying weight-loss trends to their cats, while others voiced concerns about potential side effects and pricing. One netizen commented, “I wouldn’t experiment with my own cat.”
The development comes amid rising pet obesity rates in China. Data from the China Pet Industry White Paper indicates that 28.1% of cats in the country are obese. Obesity in pets is associated with increased risks of diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and joint conditions.
