The drug, LOY-001, interacts with a hormone that accelerates aging. Thanks to a new drug intended to prolong dogs’ lives, the phrase “dog years” might have a new meaning. The medication, which is presently known as LOY-001, is not yet accessible to pet owners, but Loyal, the San Francisco-based business developing it, says it might be available as early as 2026.
Is the drug designed for all dogs?
LOY-001 is specifically designed for large adult dogs, which generally have a shorter life span than small dogs.
How does the drug work?
The medication is supposed to function by interfering with insulin growth factor-1, or IGF-1, a hormone that is believed to accelerate canine aging as well as cause canines to grow larger. According to earlier studies, dogs with lower insulin levels had a higher quality of life and were less likely to become weak than dogs with higher insulin levels. Large dogs typically have shorter lifespans than tiny dogs because they naturally have greater levels of IGF-1.
Is this medication a pill?
According to Loyal, a veterinarian would give canines the long-acting injectable drug LOY-001 every three to six months.
Do dogs get any side effects?
Thus far, research has indicated that dogs may have mild to transient gastrointestinal upset as a side effect of LOY-001.
The company developing the drug
Dr. Sinclair is listed as the founder of Animal Biosciences. The sole product of this company is a supplement called Leap Years. The company does not identify the specific compounds in its product, but one is claimed “to restore cellular health by boosting NAD+ production,” and it is not much of a “leap” to suspect that the NAD booster they are using is NMN, or even the proprietary version of NMN made by Metro Biotech. Animal Biosciences makes a lot of claims for their product on their website and in the materials they provided at the VMX conference. These include-
- “clinically proven”
- “slows the effects of aging”
- “extends the health and vitality of dogs”
- Promotes healthy aging
- Increased or improved
- Cardiovascular function
- Circulation
- Joint flexibility
- Brain health
- Cognitive function
The first claim is unfounded because there are no known drugs or supplements that can increase a person’s lifespan or health span. This is a classic leap beyond the genuine probative value of the kinds of research that supplement producers frequently depend on. Dr. Sinclair frequently makes such statements and then cites pre-clinical or pilot studies in lab animals and humans. Though they don’t make these trials obsolete, promising research that points to advantages based on fundamental principles or animal model studies helps point us in the direction of the most promising candidates for actual clinical trials. Claims of “proven” efficacy are unwarranted in the absence of proof from actual clinical trials.
How the supplements work
These supplements, which come in different formulas for different sizes of dogs, claim to work on the cellular level in two ways: by restoring cellular health, and by “[supporting] the natural clearance of senescent cells.” Through these processes, the supplements may help to slow or limit cognitive decline, improve mobility and muscle strength, and promote mental fitness.
Prize and size
For little dogs (less than 22 pounds) to large dogs (77 pounds and up), Leap Years is offered in three distinct chewable sizes, with prices starting at $63.
By: Gursharan Kaur