A new pill designed to extend dogs’ lifespans by at least a year is currently undergoing clinical trials, offering a groundbreaking prospect for pet owners hoping to give their dogs more time. Developed by Loyal, a San Francisco-based biotech startup, the chewable medication is expected to become widely available soon.
Loyal’s CEO and founder, Celine Halioua, explained that the drug, called LOY-002, could also pave the way for similar anti-aging treatments for humans. She noted that dogs experience age-related diseases similar to those in humans, making them ideal candidates for studies on aging, unlike laboratory mice.
The pill targets metabolic processes that decline with age, an area of research also crucial to human health. As metabolism slows down, particularly after the age of 30, conditions like muscle loss become more prominent, affecting overall well-being. This medication aims to prevent or slow these metabolic changes, which could potentially prolong both canine and human health.
Over 50 veterinary clinics across the U.S. are collaborating with Loyal to test the drug. The study will include more than 1,000 dogs over 10 years old, each weighing at least 14 pounds, and will run for the next four years. The first dog to participate in the trial is Boo, an 11-year-old whippet.
While the potential benefits of LOY-002 have sparked excitement, there are concerns about the influence of various factors such as diet, genetics, and physical activity on aging. The emotional and psychological well-being of the dogs and potential side effects from the pill are also being carefully monitored.
Loyal assures owners that if side effects occur, they will have access to resources, including a 24/7 hotline and training on recognizing adverse reactions.
As research continues, this new medication might not only improve the quality of life for pets but could also offer vital insights into slowing the aging process for humans. “By tapping into the unknown and creating these opportunities, we advance science and discovery,” said Carmen Castaneda Sceppa, dean of Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University.
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