This newsletter contains a reference to a new drug in development by Loyal (part of Cellular Longevity, Inc. of San Francisco, CA.). Loyal’s drug, identified only as LOY-001, may eventually be approved to provide life extension in dogs. This week, Loyal released a widely reported conclusion by the US FDA that “the data you provided are sufficient to show that there is a reasonable expectation of effectiveness,“ which could lead to conditional approval by FDA as early as 2026.
LOY-001 is thought to modulate insulin growth factor-1, or IGF-1, which is associated with aging and longevity, and in dogs is known to play a role in determining body size. This initial offering is expected to be available as an extended release implant for use in large adult dogs, which generally have shorter lifespans than small dogs. Several other products are also in Loyal’s pipeline as follow-on compounds to also provide extended life in adult dogs, and may be effective in oral form as well. Other companies and research institutions have also announced other projects focused on this same goal of extending lifespans in dogs (which of course could lead to similar work in humans).
While in its infancy, this work could profoundly affect the health (and the lifespans) of pets and therefore the practice of veterinary medicine. We’ll keep an eye on these trends and try to keep you up to date on the progress as these drugs move forward. Success is not guaranteed; but innovation will proceed no matter what!
Jim Kroman
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