27 December 2023
San Francisco biotech company Loyal announces progress in developing a drug that could slow down aging and extend the lives of large-breed dogs.
A drug that has the potential to extend the lives of large-breed dogs is one step closer to gaining approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Loyal, a San Francisco biotech company, recently announced that its drug, LOY-001, has shown promising results in early trials. If approved, LOY-001 could revolutionize the way we care for and extend the lifespan of our furry companions.
Addressing the Need for Longer Lives in Large-Breed Dogs
Currently, there are no FDA-approved or conditionally approved animal drugs designed to extend the lifespan of large-breed dogs. However, Loyal aims to change that with LOY-001. According to Celine Halioua, CEO and founder of Loyal, there are approximately 25 million large-breed dogs in the United States alone. The potential to help these dogs live longer, healthier lives is a significant breakthrough.
How LOY-001 Works
LOY-001 targets a hormone called IGF-1, which is known to accelerate the aging process in dogs. By interacting with this hormone, the drug aims to slow down age-related processes and prevent age-related canine diseases. Unlike traditional treatments that wait for symptoms to appear, LOY-001 takes a proactive approach by reducing the risk of these diseases from the outset.
Progress and Hurdles
Loyal recently announced that LOY-001 has cleared early hurdles with the FDA, indicating its potential effectiveness. However, there are still several milestones that need to be met before the drug can be fully approved and brought to market. These include completing a large clinical trial and undergoing a thorough review of safety and manufacturing data. The four-year process has involved interventional and observational studies in an FDA-accepted model of canine aging.
The Impact on Lifespan and Quality of Life
The average lifespan of a dog ranges from 10 to 13 years, with larger breeds aging faster and having a shorter life expectancy. Body size and growth rate play significant roles in a dog’s longevity. The growth-promoting hormone IGF-1 is found at higher levels in large dogs compared to small breeds, potentially contributing to their shorter lifespans. LOY-001’s ability to target and reduce this hormone could have a groundbreaking impact on the lifespan and quality of life of large and giant dog breeds.
Expert Opinions and Caution
Veterinarians have expressed cautious optimism about LOY-001. Dr. Ivana Crnec, a veterinarian with Veterinarians.org, believes the drug is groundbreaking and shows promising potential. However, she emphasizes the need for further research to determine its results and potential side effects. Dr. Jeffrey Krasnoff, a veterinarian at Brookville Animal Hospital, is also hopeful but eager to see more research on the drug’s effects.
Conclusion: The potential approval of LOY-001 by the FDA marks a significant milestone in the quest to extend the lives of large-breed dogs. With no FDA-approved drugs currently available for this purpose, LOY-001 offers hope for millions of dog owners who want their furry companions to live longer, healthier lives. While further research and testing are needed, the drug’s ability to target and reduce the growth-promoting hormone IGF-1 could pave the way for a new era in canine healthcare. If all goes well, LOY-001 could be available as early as 2026, giving large-breed dogs the opportunity for an extended lifespan and improved quality of life.
