
Pioneering drug designed to extend the lives of dogs just made a breakthrough
Our canine companions could soon be enjoying much longer lifespans, if a drug which claims it can extend dogs’ lives eventually gets approved. The drug, made by a tech firm in California, just cleared a vital hurdle to doing just that, after it got partial approval by regulators in the US. Loyal, a San Francisco-based company founded in 2020, has been researching how it can increase dogs’ lifespans – in particular larger breeds, which tend to die younger. Large and “giant” breeds tend to live to between eight and 12 years. Smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas, can keep going to the ripe old age of 20. Loyal’s main product, the catchily-titled LOY-001, is designed not only to extend dogs’ lives but also maintain their quality of life. Now, it has passed the “reasonable expectation of effectiveness” test, set by regulators at the US’ Food and Drug Administration. Loyal’s chief executive, Celine Halioua, said: "Loyal was founded with the ambitious goal of developing the first drugs to extend healthy lifespan in dogs. "This milestone is the result of years of careful work by the team. We'll continue to work just as diligently to bring this and our other longevity programs through to FDA approval." Selective breeding of dogs has caused higher levels of hormones which help the animals grow faster. That is also believed to reduce their lifespan, the company said. Big dogs tend to have more of this hormone than their smaller counterparts. Animal rights activists are not yet convinced. Some experts fear it will only serve to extend animals’ suffering. Loyal, on the other hand, says the drug aims to treat doggy diseases which are associated with ageing through preventing them, rather than waiting for the animals to get sick before treating them. The company said that the drug could be available to US customers as early as 2026. So that’s plenty of time for walkies between now and then. How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up to our free indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00

Wall St futures edge higher on easing inflation hopes
U.S. stock index futures edged higher on Thursday, ahead of a reading later in the day that is
1970-01-01 08:00

Premier League confirms November Player of the Month nominees
The Premier League confirms its nominees for 2023 November Player of the Month.
1970-01-01 08:00

Four steps to land your dream job
By Chris Taylor NEW YORK If scoring your dream job seems impossible, meet Priyanka Naik. Not long ago
1970-01-01 08:00

Rodrygo unsure over Carlo Ancelotti's future at Real Madrid
Rodrygo admits he is unsure what the future holds for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid amid interest from Brazil.
1970-01-01 08:00

Tesla to deliver Cybertrucks after Musk tempers expectations
By Akash Sriram and Hyunjoo Jin Tesla is set to start deliveries of its long-delayed Cybertruck electric pickup
1970-01-01 08:00

Marketmind: November bids adieu with inflation data, OPEC
A look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets from Mike Dolan The best month of the year
1970-01-01 08:00

More US retailers adopt 'keep it' returns policies to shelter profits in holiday surge
By Lisa Baertlein and Arriana McLymore LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK As holiday shoppers return items purchased during Black Friday
1970-01-01 08:00

Republican DeSantis faces risks in debate against Democrat Newsom amid struggling US presidential bid
By Tim Reid and Alexandra Ulmer U.S. presidential candidate Ron DeSantis will use a televised debate against California's
1970-01-01 08:00

Support for Nuclear Energy Stronger Than Ever in the U.S. and Growing Around the World
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 30, 2023--
1970-01-01 08:00

Hamas Support Surge in West Bank Undermines Netanyahu’s Bid to Crush It
As Palestinians celebrated Israel’s release of prisoners outside Ramallah’s sand-colored municipality last Friday, green Hamas flags dotted the
1970-01-01 08:00

Lulus Opens Doors to First Retail Store in the Heart of Melrose Avenue
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 30, 2023--
1970-01-01 08:00