TAMPA, FLA. — Better Choice Company announced Nov. 8 the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Aimia Pet HealthCo Inc. and Nadia Crosignani, Ph.D., to research and develop GLP1 supplements to benefit pets with obesity and related health issues.

The two companies entered an R&D partnership on Oct. 12 to create nutritional weight management supplements under Better Choice’s Halo brand.

According to Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the United States were deemed overweight or obese in 2022. Better Choice noted this health issue commonly leads to other weight-related conditions in pets, including arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure. The company’s partnership with Aimia Pet Health will explore and develop nutritional solutions, including pet treats and meal toppers, that combat obesity in dogs and cats.

The two companies will research and develop solutions that “mirror the weight loss benefits of leading brands” in the market for human obesity mediations, including medications such as Slentrol, Wegovy, Ozempic and Monjaro. These solutions for pets will feature additional protein and nutrients, with the goal of promoting overall pet health and lean muscle, according to Better Choice.

“We are pleased to make progress with our R&D partners, APH and Dr. Crosignani,” said Mike Young, chairman of the board at Better Choice. “We see the use of the GLP1 supplement as a significant opportunity for the pet health industry and are assembling top tier partners to help Better Choice and our brands, including Halo, become pioneers in this sector.”

Crosignani currently serves as an adjunct professor of veterinary science in the Department of Pharmacology in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of the Republic in Uruguay (Universidad de la República de Uruguay) and is heralded as a leading international researcher in the pet health space.

Crosignani holds a master’s degree in physiology from the University of Rio Grande do Sul and a doctorate in anesthesia from the University of Sao Paulo (UNESP). She achieved a post-doctorate degree from UNESP through her research focused on pain management.

Read more about industry efforts to curb pet obesity.