The good news is, you might now have the opportunity to extend your furry friend's time with you. A groundbreaking new drug designed to enhance dogs' longevity has recently received approval for use, offering a potential means to enjoy even more precious moments with your pooch.
From Axios:
A drug that could extend large dogs' lifespans and help keep them healthier as they age is one step closer to coming to the market.
Why it matters: Bigger dogs live shorter lives than smaller dogs "by nearly half," notes a statement from Loyal for Dogs, which announced Tuesday that the drug it's developing, LOY-001, had cleared a key FDA regulatory hurdle required in the approval process.
Driving the news: The San Francisco-based biotech company said the experimental drug that still has to undergo clinical trials had met the "reasonable expectation of effectiveness" section requirement for the FDA's expanded conditional approval — "an accelerated pathway for animal drugs that aims to increase the availability of innovative therapies."
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration official said in a letter that Loyal shared with the New York Times: "The data you provided are sufficient to show that there is a reasonable expectation of effectiveness."
Context: The average lifespan for larger dogs is about 8 to 12 years, per the American Kennel Club. Bernese mountain dogs' and Great Danes' life expectancy is 7-10 years and 8-10 years, respectively, the AKC notes.
For small breeds, the average is 10 to 15 years — though Chihuahuas can live for up to 20 years.
Zoom in: The veterinarian-administered drug is designed to be a long-acting product given to large- and giant-breed dogs every three to six months, according to Loyal.
While the concept seems promising in theory, my skepticism kicks in when it comes to any drug—especially one claiming to prolong life. I'm wary of potential adverse side effects, a concern that's always at the forefront.
Time and extensive trials will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the true efficacy and safety of this new drug.
