Large dog breeds, such as Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds, typically have shorter lifespans, often due to cancer and age-related illnesses. The drug is an injectable to be administered by a vet every three to six months, and Loyal is also developing a pill, codenamed LOY-003, to address the same issue. The drug could be available by 2026, pending FDA approval of data provided by Loyal.
Key takeaways:
- The FDA has accepted the development of a drug by Loyal, an animal pharmaceutical company, that could extend the lifespans of large and giant dog breeds.
- The drug, codenamed LOY-001, reduces the levels of IGF-1, a hormone that promotes cell growth and hastens aging in large dogs.
- Loyal is also developing a pill, codenamed LOY-003, that would address the same issue. LOY-001 could be available by 2026, pending FDA approval.
- Large and giant dog breeds tend to have shorter lifespans due to elevated levels of IGF-1, a result of breeding for size. These dogs also suffer from age-related illnesses and are more prone to cancer.