FDA Gives ‘Conditional Approval’ for Dog Anti-Aging Drug
A potential anti-aging drug for dogs is currently in development. The San Francisco-based company, Loyal, has received conditional approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its drug, LOY-001. This drug would be a step towards extending the lifespan of large and giant breed dogs.
According to reports from Business Wire, pending FDA approval of Loyal’s manufacturing and safety data, the anti-aging drug could potentially be available on the market by 2026.
The anti-aging drug aims to give owners longer time with their larger dogs.
Owners of smaller dogs are likely to enjoy a longer time with their pets compared to owners of larger dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. They said that veterinarians estimate that by the age of one, dogs have matured as much as humans do by the age of 15. The second year of a dog’s life is roughly equivalent to about nine human years, after which the aging process varies based on factors such as age and size.
Loyal’s website highlights that the lifespan disparity among dog breeds is partly due to selective breeding, which has led to genetic issues such as hip dysplasia and breathing problems. In the case of large- and giant-breed dogs, breeding for size has resulted in elevated levels of IGF-1, a hormone that promotes cell growth. While high IGF-1 drives these dogs to grow large when young, it is believed to accelerate aging and reduce their overall healthy lifespan in adulthood.
The key factor contributing to this lifespan difference is the elevated levels of the growth-promoting hormone IGF-1 in larger dogs. LOY-001, developed by Loyal, aims to address this issue by reducing IGF-1 levels in adult dogs. The drug is formulated as a long-acting product, administered by veterinarians every three to six months. Once officially approved by the FDA, dogs over the age of 7 and weighing more than 40 pounds may be eligible for LOY-001 shots.
While the drug is under conditional approval, it’s worth noting that Loyal must still conduct tests and gather more data. Conditional approval is valid for up to five years, during which Loyal will work to complete the necessary data collection and apply for full approval.
