Dog is a person’s best friend, making the loss of a loyal companion after only a few years a heartache many know well. The lifespan of each dog and dog breed varies, but typically smaller dogs enjoy a longer lifespan.
To combat the heartache, some have turned to unique measures. Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady said late last year he cloned his deceased dog to give his family more time with their pet, with an approximated price tag of $50,000, as the Deseret News previously reported.
Now, a San Francisco-based biotech startup called Loyal is working on a more accessible solution: a drug designed to extend a dog’s life.
Loyal CEO Celine Halioua told NBC News she is hopeful the drug will extend a dog’s lifespan by about one year. While that may seem like a small window in human terms, it is equivalent to roughly five “dog years,” depending on the breed and age of the dog, a gain many owners would find invaluable.
“Our products focus on preventative care, addressing the underlying causes of a range of age-associated diseases to delay their onset and reduce their impact.”
Breaking FDA regulatory ground
The drug has already cleared several hurdles in the FDA approval process, becoming the first longevity medication to receive a “stamp of reasonable expectation of effectiveness,” according to NBC News.
The daily pill drug is currently undergoing clinical trials involving more than 1,000 dogs from various socioeconomic backgrounds and breeds to best understand the drug’s effectiveness, Halioua shared with Forbes.
The dogs involved in the trial will be followed for at least five years to observe any medical developments with each dog.
The products being developed
Loyal currently has three products in development, each targeting to benefit dogs in different seasons of life and the unique “biological mechanisms” and metabolic processes, according to Loyal.
- LOY-002: A daily pill for senior dogs of almost any size (over 14 pounds). It targets metabolic dysfunction to support quality of life and healthy aging.
- LOY-001: A long-acting product administered by a veterinarian a few times a year. It is intended for dogs 7 years and older weighing at least 40 pounds.
- LOY-003: A daily prescription pill for dogs 5 years and older weighing at least 60 pounds.
Currently, LOY-002 is the leader of the pack in the FDA approval pipeline. The company recently shared on social media that the FDA accepted its safety submission, completing “two of the three major requirements needed for conditional approval.”
Halioua emphasized that after five years of development, the company is prioritizing science and FDA approval, according to Forbes.
She added the goal is to provide a product that is safe and effective, “not just a supplement with sexy marketing.”
The company intends to keep the drug at an accessible price point for the general public, according to NBC News.
While Loyal still needs a few more FDA clearances before a full release, the company is closer to the finish line than any longevity drug in history. The implications may eventually reach beyond the doghouse; Halioua noted that the research could help scientists better understand the mechanics of human aging as well.