Loyal launches pivotal dog lifespan extension trial

First dog dosed in study designed to demonstrate lifespan and healthspan extension in 1,000 senior dogs.

Longevity biotech company Loyal has initiated a clinical trial in the US for a drug designed to extend the healthy lifespan of senior dogs. The pivotal STAY study, involving over 1,000 dogs, is key to Loyal’s pursuit of FDA approval for its “LOY-002” canine medication.

My take on this: Last year, the company received FDA approval for LOY-001, a groundbreaking drug designed to prolong the healthy lifespan of larger dogs, earning recognition at the recent Emmy Awards. Now, with LOY-002, Loyal aims to broaden the eligible canine population to encompass senior dogs of all sizes except the smallest.

The drug, delivered as a daily beef-flavored pill, targets metabolic health to mitigate age-associated diseases in dogs aged 10 or older, weighing at least 14 pounds. Loyal’s goal is to delay the onset and reduce the impact of such diseases, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for senior dogs.

The STAY study, expected to span four years, is set to be the largest clinical trial of its kind, conducted in collaboration with more than 50 independent veterinary clinics.

“This is a massive undertaking that wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of the many veterinarians and technicians operating the study in their clinics, and the participating dogs and owners helping advance therapies for all dogs,” said Loyal CEO Celine Halioua.

Based on existing efficacy, safety and manufacturing data, Loyal is also pursuing FDA “conditional approval” for LOY-002, with the aim of making the drug available through veterinarians as early as 2025.

Explore Loyal's studies as an outstanding model for human aging and meet Boo, an 11-year-old Whippet, the inaugural participant in the STAY study right HERE.

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