(HorizonPost.com) – The San Francisco-based drug company Loyal has received conditional approval from the FDA for an injectible medication that could potentially extend the life of large dog breeds, The Hill reported.
The drug, LOY-001, is designed to counter the shorter lifespans of large- and giant-breed dogs who typically do not live as long as smaller breeds. The company anticipates that LOY-001 could be available as early as 2026, pending FDA approval of the company’s safety and manufacturing data.
According to Celine Halioua, the CEO of Loyal, the company was founded with a mission to develop the first drugs that could “extend healthy lifespan in dog.” Halioua described the conditional approval from the FDA as a “milestone” and said Loyal would continue to diligently work to get LOY-001 and its other “longevity programs” through the FDA approval process and onto the market.
Large dog breeds like Newfoundlands or Great Danes typically have a lifespan of between seven to eight years whereas small breeds like Miniature Poodles or Chihuahuas tend to live around 20 years.
The cause of this disparity is the elevated levels of the growth-promoting hormone IGF-1 found in large breeds. LOY-001 is designed to reduce the level of IGF-1 in adult dogs. The long-acting drug would be administered every three to six months by a vet.
Once approved by the FDA, adult dogs over seven that weigh more than 40 pounds would likely be eligible for LOY-001 injections.
The conditional approval of LOY-001 is valid for up to five years. During that time, Loyal must complete the necessary data collection required by the FDA to apply for full approval.
The company will have to conduct a series of studies to gather definitive data on the drug’s efficacy as well as meet the FDA’s strict safety and manufacturing criteria.
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