Groundbreaking medication helping dogs live longer
CLEVELAND (WJW) – New research underway right now could extend the lifespan of all senior dogs, especially large and giant breeds.
“I just think it’s wonderful and if it’s healthy for them I’m super down,” said Jenna Goretzki with her 3-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback named Johnny Cash.
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Typically, larger breeds like Great Danes for example, might live eight years but smaller pups like Chihuahua’s have a life expectancy of sixteen years.
The biotech research company Loyal based in San Francisco is working to change that.
“We are serious dog people, and our goal is absolutely to extend the lifespan of dogs. That’s our number one priority,” said Dr. Ellen Ratcliff, Veterinarian and Director of Clinical Development at Loyal.
The researchers currently have three pharmaceutical products in various stages of testing.
Two are specifically designed for large and giant breed dogs and developed to extend their lifespan and help them maintain a high quality of life by decreasing growth hormone levels at a certain stage.
LOY-001 is an implant administered by the dog’s veterinarian.
LOY-003 is a daily tablet administered by the dog’s owner.
Both are estimated “to launch” in 2026.
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However a third medication LOY-002 is undergoing testing rightnow and was developed to extend the lifespan of all breeds and allseniorandolderdogs, while helping them maintain their quality of life by tuning in on their metabolic fitness.
Loyal is currently enrolling 1,000 older dogs of all sizes if they are over 14 lbs. to participate in the trial at about 55 locations across the country.
An unnamed location in Williamsburg, Ohio is expected to begin testing soon.
It’s already begun at the Animal Hospital of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, where veterinarian Dr. Coby Rudakewiz says in just two months, they’re already seeing surprising results.
“Owners noting that they’re like a puppy again, and their energy is increased, and they love love love taking the treats,” said Dr. Rudakewiz.
While taking the medication, the pets must see the participating veterinarian every six months for an examination and blood work, which some owners like, “So if we catch anything it will be early, some owners saw it as just an increased healthcare perspective.”
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Both she and Dr. Ratcliff said it’s too soon to know if there are side effects, but they have not seen any yet.
However, based on what they are witnessing, they are hopeful the medication could also reduce age related afflictions like osteoarthritis.
“That allows them to go on their walks and do what they like to do,” said Dr. Rudakewiz, “So we’re just very excited to see what the future holds for this medication.”
The projection at this time is that the medication could increase lifespan by a year or more.
The research is focused specifically on canines; however, they say it could ultimately benefit humans too.
“There are some basic things that happen with aging. We will call them hallmarks, and if you can find the hallmarks of aging and find the intervention points that’s the ticket,” said Dr. Ratcliff, “And dogs are our closest counterparts, they share our environment, our homes and our food in a lot of cases.”
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Dog owners, especially those with larger breeds or older pets, are excited about the research and the possibility of having their best friends much longer.
“As long as longevity is coupled with quality of life, I think that’s an excellent innovation to pursue,” said Gerome Chelliah with Lincoln, a 3-year-old standard poodle, “I think if all they did was extend the dog’s life, I’d be happy even if it doesn’t translate into humans lives.”
Loyal is conducting its STAY study, the “largest study of its kind” working on FDA approval for the medications and hoping for conditional approval and widespread availability by 2025.
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