Sit, stay… live longer?
Research shows that owning a dog can help humans live longer, healthier lives. Now, a US biotech company wants to return the favor with anti-aging drugs designed to extend the lifespan of your canine companion.
“The longevity space is crowded right now, and for good reason,” Celine Halioua, founder and CEO of Loyal, told The Post. “We all want to figure out how to get more happy, healthy years for our loved ones —especially the furry ones.”
Celine Halioua is leading the push to develop drugs that extend the lives of dogs. X/@loyalfordogs
Before launching Loyal in 2019, Halioua worked on treatments for neurodegenerative diseases in humans — conditions that, much like aging in dogs, have no true preventive medicine.
“This combination of experience sparked my mission to develop the first drug approved for healthy lifespan extension,” she said.
Good boys, great science
Loyal has three longevity drugs in the pipeline, including two that specifically target bigger breeds, which typically have much shorter lifespans.
While small dogs like Chihuahuas can live for 18 years or longer, giant breeds such as Great Danes would be lucky to make it to 10.
That’s where LOY-001 and LOY-003 come in. These drugs target dogs age 7 and older that weigh at least 40 pounds.
Loyal’s drugs aim to increase and quality of life for senior dogs. X/Celine Halioua
They work by reducing levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that fuels cell growth. Scientists believe that high levels of IGF-1 shorten the lifespan of large dogs, which can have up to 28 times more of the hormone than smaller breeds.
One version, LOY-001, is an injectable given a few times a year at the vet. The other, LOY-003, is a daily chewable pill.
Both drugs are currently in pilot studies, and Loyal is eyeing conditional FDA approval by 2027.
Loyal’s third longevity drug, LOY-002, is even further along in development. The treatment targets senior dogs age 10 and up that weigh at least 14 pounds.
It’s currently being tested in a large-scale clinical trial involving more than 1,200 dogs across 70 clinics, making it one of the biggest studies in veterinary history, according to Halioua.
Small dogs tend to have a longer lifespan than larger breeds. X/Celine Halioua
The drug works by targeting metabolism — the complex system of chemical reactions that powers essential functions like breaking down food, producing energy and repairing cells.
As metabolism slows with age, it can lead to insulin resistance and trigger a range of health issues in both humans and dogs, including cognitive decline, osteoarthritis and cancer.
“Improving metabolic health is one of the most well-validated pathways for extending both lifespan and healthspan,” Halioua said.
“Research [shows] it can improve health and reduce the risk of age-related diseases across species — from mice to humans,” she added.
So far, things are looking paws-itive. A pilot study of 48 dogs showed no adverse effects after three months of LOY‑002.
Both LOY-002 and LOY-003 are administered via a daily pill. X/Celine Halioua
Loyal previously told The Guardian it’s hoping the drug could add at least one extra year to a dog’s life — and they’ll be healthier during that time, too.
Once it’s approved, Halioua hopes LOY‑002 will become a common preventive tool, like flea and tick medication.
“We expect all dogs to benefit from its ability to protect against, and even reverse, some of the harmful effects of metabolic dysfunction,” she said.
Loyal anticipates that the drug will receive conditional approval by the FDA in 2026.
Loyal is aiming to enroll 1,300 dogs in it’s LOY-002 study. X/Celine Halioua
But the dogs aren’t the only ones who could benefit.
“We’re on track to develop the first-ever FDA-approved drug for longevity — for any species,” Halioua said.
“Dogs share our environments and develop remarkably similar age-related diseases at similar stages of life, making them valuable models for human health and scientific research,” she added.
Dogs make us healthier, too
Halioua’s lifelong love of animals runs deep.
“I’ve always been surrounded by animals — growing up, my family had 15 pets and rehabilitated wild animals,” she said. “My Rottweiler, Della, is always by my side and is a major influence on the work I do.”
It turns out dogs don’t just bring love — they could bring health benefits as well.
Studies show that dogs can ease loneliness, stress and anxiety. One even found that just 10 minutes of petting a pooch can significantly reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.
Dogs are known for their unconditional love and companionship. yurakrasil – stock.adobe.com
Even locking eyes with your dog gives your brain a boost. A 2009 Japanese study found that staring into their eyes raises oxytocin — the “love hormone” linked to bonding and happiness.
Dogs might even help you live longer. A sweeping review of research from 1950 to 2019 found that dog owners consistently have a lower risk of death compared to those without pets.
It’s no accident. Research shows that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease. Plus, they get more exercise, which builds muscle, strengthen bones and joints and keeps weight in check.
That’s no coincidence. Dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and less risk of heart disease. Plus, they’re more active — walking their dogs regularly strengthens muscles, bones and joints, and helps keep weight in check.
Some research even links dog ownership to bigger brains and sharper thinking, with faster processing speed and better memory.
And here’s the kicker: a major study found owning a dog lowers dementia risk — a benefit not shared by cat owners.
