Biotech Startup Developing Drug to Extend Lifespan of Large Dogs

All dogs may go to heaven, but one biotech startup is looking to keep labradors and other bigger canines on Earth longer.

A drug to extend the lifespan of large dogs — who live about half as long as smaller breeds — could be on the market in coming years, according to Loyal, a San Francisco biotech company developing longevity treatments for canines.

The Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine has found a reasonable expectation of effectiveness for the drug, codenamed LOY-001, Loyal announced Tuesday in a news release, a big step toward its full approval. The development is "a first for any longevity drug, and is a big step towards accelerating the path for canines, and ultimately humans," stated Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, an investor in Loyal.

Designed to reduce levels of a growth-promoting hormone thought to shave years off the lives of large and giant-breed dogs, the drug would be administered by a veterinarian every three to six months and is expected to be available in 2026, pending FDA approval of the company's manufacturing and safety data, Loyal stated.

The FDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Dogs' Lifespan Linked to Size and Breeding, Study Finds

According to a recent study, the size and breed of a dog can have a significant impact on its lifespan. The American Kennel Club reports that Great Danes and Newfoundlands typically live seven to eight years, while smaller dogs like Chihuahuas and Miniature Poodles live an average of 20 years.

The study suggests that the inverse relationship between a dog's size and its expected lifespan is not natural, but rather a result of breeding practices. Dogs were bred to fulfill specific roles such as herding, protection, and companionship, which inadvertently led to genetic diseases and shorter lifespans in larger breeds. Brennen McKenzie, Loyal's director of veterinary medicine and a practicing veterinarian, explains that the short lifespan of big dogs is not inevitable, but rather a genetically-associated disease caused by historical artificial selection. McKenzie believes that this disease can be targeted and treated with a drug.

Historical selective breeding is known to contribute to genetically-associated diseases in dogs. Examples include cancer in Golden Retrievers, hip dysplasia in German Shepherds, and canine brachycephalic syndrome in Bulldogs.

Loyal, a company dedicated to improving the health and lifespan of dogs, is actively researching ways to extend the lives of larger breeds. They believe that by understanding the genetic factors behind shorter lifespans, they can develop targeted treatments to address these issues.

The Dog Aging Project, affiliated with the University of Washington, is also conducting a canine clinical trial of rapamycin. This drug has shown promise in increasing the lifespan and delaying age-related disorders in mice. The project aims to determine if rapamycin can have similar effects on dogs.