The lifespan of dogs is shorter than their human counterparts, but a biotech company is one step closer to finding a way for these animals to live longer.
Groundbreaking Longevity Drug
On November 28, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine approved the Reasonable Expectation of Effectiveness section of the conditional approval application for LOY-001. This drug was developed by San Francisco biotech company Loyal to extend the lifespan of large dogs and maintain their quality of life as they get older.
According to Loyal CEO and founder Celine Halioua, the drug may help slow down age-related processes for dogs 40 pounds or more. It targets a hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to reduce its levels. Instead of waiting until symptoms appear, it is designed to prevent age-related dog diseases. It is administered by an injection by a veterinarian every 3 to 6 months, but Loyal is working on a daily pill.
The conditional approval from the FDA shows the drug's potential effectiveness. However, more developments must be made before the drug gets fully approved and sold to the market. These include completing a large clinical trial and reviewing manufacturing and safety data from the company. So far, the four-year process includes interventional studies of the anti-aging drug in an FDA-accepted model of dog aging and an observational study of 451 canines.
This means that the FDA agrees that LOY-001 has a reasonable expectation of effectiveness. Once the agency approves the manufacturing and safety data packages, Loyal can market LOY-001 for lifespan extension in the target canine population. Conditional approval lasts up to 5 years when the company plans to collect the remaining effectiveness data and apply for full approval.
In the U.S. alone, there are 25 million large-breed dogs. The company is confident that by slowing down the effect of aging on vital bodily functions, the drug can positively impact the quality of life of giant dog breeds.
Canine Life Expectancy
Aging in dogs differs from breed to breed. Their average lifespan is from 10 to 13 years, with larger breeds aging faster and with shorter life expectancy. Just like humans, old age can cause changes in a dog's ability to see, hear, and move about. Medical conditions like kidney failure, cancer, dementia, arthritis, and joint problems may appear as they age.
Some experts believe that the variation in the aging profile of dogs is due to selective breeding, which enhances their size and development. In the study "Dog Life Spans and the Evolution of Aging," experts discovered that larger dogs may be more prone to cancer due to selective breeding practices.
According to veterinarian Dr. Ivana Crnec, body size, and growth rate are the key factors that affect the longevity of dogs. It is believed that the growth-promoting hormone IGF-1 plays a role in accelerating aging and reducing lifespan. Experts have found this hormone at much higher levels in large dogs compared to small-breed ones.
Check out more news and information on Dog Lifespan in Science Times.
