The first anti-aging drug designed specifically for dogs has entered clinical trials in a groundbreaking development. The drug is developed by San Francisco-based startup Loyal. Thus, this breakthrough holds the potential to address age-related health challenges for our beloved pets.
What is the anti-aging drug for dogs called and what does it do?
Loyal, the company behind the pioneering anti-aging drug aimed at extending the lifespan of dogs, has achieved a significant milestone, as Fox 35 reports. According to Loyal developers, the upcoming large-scale clinical trial, named the STAY study, will include over 1,000 dogs from more than 50 veterinary clinics nationwide. Leading the trial is Boo, an 11-year-old Whippet from Pennsylvania actively engaged in the dog sport of scent work.
In November 2023, LOY-001, an implant tailored for larger dogs, received an expanded conditional approval from the FDA. Although this doesn’t immediately bring the drug to market, it signifies a pivotal movement. Celine Halioua, Loyal’s founder and CEO, hopes to obtain full conditional approval for LOY-001 by 2026. Therefore, she aims to see the drug on the market prior to the completion of the clinical trial.
LOY-001 works on inhibiting IGF-1, a hormone promoting cell growth. Loyal asserts that large dogs typically exhibit elevated levels of IGF-1, thereby leading to faster aging and a decrease in lifespans. Hence, through its mechanism, LOY-001 aims to lower IGF-1 levels, specifically in large dog breeds.
Additionally, Loyal is in the process of developing LOY-003, a daily tablet targeting IGF-1 levels in large dogs.
Boo will take LOY-002, the daily tablet, as part of the STAY clinical trial. It is specifically formulated for dogs aged 10 and older, weighing over 14 pounds.
According to Loyal’s director of clinical development, vet Ellen Ratcliff, the LOY-002 tablet is aimed at enhancing canine metabolism, which tends to “become dysfunctional” as dogs get older.
