San Francisco Biotech Startup Develops Dog Longevity Pill

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A San Francisco-based biotech startup called Loyal is working on a drug designed to extend a dog's lifespan by about one year, which is equivalent to roughly five 'dog years' depending on the breed and age of the dog. 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. Loyal has three products in development, each targeting to benefit dogs in different seasons of life and the unique 'biological mechanisms' and metabolic processes.

Why it matters

The loss of a loyal canine companion after only a few years is a heartache many dog owners know well. Loyal's drug could provide an accessible solution to help extend a dog's lifespan and give owners more time with their pets. If successful, the research could also help scientists better understand the mechanics of human aging.

The details

Loyal's 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.' The dogs involved in the clinical trial will be followed for at least five years to observe any medical developments. Loyal currently has three products in development - LOY-002, a daily pill for senior dogs over 14 pounds; LOY-001, a long-acting product administered by a veterinarian a few times a year for dogs 7 years and older weighing at least 40 pounds; and LOY-003, a daily prescription pill for dogs 5 years and older weighing at least 60 pounds. LOY-002 is the leader in the FDA approval pipeline, with the company recently sharing that the FDA accepted its safety submission, completing 'two of the three major requirements needed for conditional approval'.

• Loyal CEO Celine Halioua told NBC News the company is hopeful the drug will extend a dog's lifespan by about one year.
• The dogs involved in the trial will be followed for at least five years to observe any medical developments.
• Loyal recently shared on social media that the FDA accepted its safety submission for LOY-002, completing 'two of the three major requirements needed for conditional approval'.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Loyal still needs a few more FDA clearances before a full release of its dog longevity drug, but the company is closer to the finish line than any longevity drug in history.