The biotech company Loyal has dosed the first dog in a study to determine the efficacy and safety of a flavored chewable medication formulated to possibly lengthen a dog’s healthy years.
More than 1,000 pet dogs and 50 independent veterinary clinics are participating in the four-year study.
The medication, code-named LOY-002, is thought to improve metabolic fitness.
“This was an easy decision,” said Dr. Coby Rudakewiz, a principal investigator. “We are constantly looking (to) improve the way we care for pets and their health. The more avenues and tools we have to offer and educate owners on how to keep their dogs healthy, the more lives we can affect in a positive way.”
Boo, an 11-year-old whippet, was the first dog dosed. “I think anybody that has an older dog that could participate would jump at the chance,” said his owner, Deb Hanna.
The study involves dogs of different breeds, ages, health status, behavior and geographic location. Their owners have diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Loyal is looking for senior dogs to participate in the double-blinded study. To qualify, they must be 10 years or older, weigh at least 14 pounds and live near a participating trial site. Participants will receive a flavored chew every day, and owners are asked to complete a brief survey about their dogs’ quality of life. The dogs will be evaluated by a principal investigator six times in the first year and twice in the study’s remaining three years.
Details are at bit.ly/3uljszG.
Loyal is part of Cellular Longevity Inc. The company is seeking FDA conditional approval of LOY-002.