A biotech company called Loyal has cleared a major regulatory hurdle in its effort to bring the first anti-aging drug for dogs to market. The drug, LOY-002, is a beef-flavored tablet designed for senior dogs over 10 years old weighing at least 14 pounds. It targets a hormone called IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor 1, which helps dogs grow when young but accelerates cellular aging in adulthood, particularly in larger breeds that tend to have shorter lifespans. By reducing IGF-1’s effects, Loyal says the drug slows biological aging and helps dogs maintain quality of life in their later years.
Earlier this year, the FDA accepted the drug’s safety package, clearing two of the three major technical sections required for full market approval. The remaining hurdle is an effectiveness trial, which Loyal says is ongoing and expected to clear next year. If successful, LOY-002 could be commercially available by the end of 2027, making it the first longevity treatment approved for any species.
Source: Oddity Central
