My best buddy, my son, my pup, my dog—Jeter—just turned 9 last Wednesday (happy birthday, Jeter!). He’s an English Bulldog who means the world to me. In these nine years, he’s never been sick or had a bad checkup. Nevertheless, I always strive to stay ahead of any potential health issues to ensure that Jeter and I can spend as much time together as possible and that he has an amazing life!
I’ve been reading about Loyal and the longevity medications they are developing (LOY-001, LOY-002, and LOY-003). I’m particularly interested in LOY-002 because many of its targets are similar to those we focus on for human health.
Below, I’ve included some information and studies about these medications for other dog lovers here. I would love to hear your thoughts and any feedback on what you have found helpful for keeping your pups as healthy as possible!
Jeter and I thank you in advance ?.
LOY-002 is a developmental drug designed to extend the healthy lifespan of senior dogs by improving their metabolic health. This drug is being developed by Loyal, a biotech company focused on creating longevity treatments for dogs.
Key Features of LOY-002
LOY-002 targets several key cellular pathways to improve metabolic health and extend the healthy lifespan of senior dogs. These pathways are primarily associated with metabolic regulation and the benefits of caloric restriction. Here are the main pathways and mechanisms involved:
Key Cellular Pathways Targeted by LOY-002
Caloric Restriction Pathways
– SIRT1 Activation: LOY-002 likely activates SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1), a protein that plays a crucial role in cellular regulation and is known to be activated by caloric restriction. SIRT1 activation helps improve metabolic efficiency, reduce inflammation, and enhance cellular repair mechanisms.
– AMPK Pathway: The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway is another key target. AMPK acts as an energy sensor in cells and is activated by caloric restriction. It helps regulate energy balance, improve glucose uptake, and enhance fatty acid oxidation.
– Insulin Sensitivity: LOY-002 improves insulin sensitivity by regulating the insulin signaling pathway. This helps maintain stable blood glucose levels and prevents insulin resistance, a common issue in aging dogs.
– PI3K/AKT Pathway: The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway is involved in insulin signaling and cellular growth. By modulating this pathway, LOY-002 helps improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of age-related metabolic disorders.
Hormonal Regulation
– Hormone BalanceLOY-002 helps balance key hormones involved in metabolism, such as insulin and glucagon. Proper hormonal regulation is essential for maintaining metabolic health and preventing disorders like obesity and diabetes.
Fat Metabolism and Distribution
– PPAR Pathways: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that play a significant role in fat metabolism. LOY-002 likely influences PPAR pathways to optimize fat distribution and utilization, thereby improving metabolic health.
Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
– NF-κB Pathway: The nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway is involved in inflammatory responses. By modulating this pathway, LOY-002 helps reduce chronic inflammation, which is a common issue in aging dogs.
– LOY-002 may enhance the body’s antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage associated with aging.
LOY-002 is intended for senior dogs aged 10 years or older and weighing at least 14 pounds. It is designed for nearly all breeds except the smallest ones[1][2][6].
Clinical Trials
The STAY study is a pivotal clinical trial for LOY-002, involving over 1,000 dogs from more than 50 veterinary clinics across the United States. This double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aims to collect comprehensive data on the drug’s effectiveness and safety over a four-year period. The study will compare the lifespan and quality of life of dogs receiving LOY-002 to those receiving a placebo[1][3][5].
Administration
LOY-002 is administered as a daily beef-flavored pill, making it convenient for pet owners to give to their dogs[1][6].
Regulatory Status
Loyal aims to obtain conditional approval for LOY-002 by early 2025, which would allow the drug to be prescribed by veterinarians while the clinical trials are still ongoing. Full FDA approval is expected to follow based on the results of the STAY study[1][2][6].
Research and Development
In addition to the clinical trials, Loyal is building a longitudinal biobank of saliva and blood samples from participating dogs. This biobank will support future research and the development of additional longevity products[1][3].
Expected Benefits
The primary goal of LOY-002 is to extend the number of healthy years that senior dogs can enjoy, thereby enhancing their quality of life. The drug is not intended to treat specific diseases but to improve overall metabolic health and delay age-related decline[1][5][8].
In summary, LOY-002 represents a significant advancement in veterinary medicine, aiming to provide senior dogs with more healthy and active years by improving their metabolic health and delaying the onset of age-related diseases.
Sources
[1] A clinical trial is launched for a novel drug that could extend healthy … https://www.dvm360.com/view/a-clinical-trial-is-launched-for-a-novel-drug-that-could-extend-healthy-lifespan-in-senior-dogs
[2] Products | Loyal https://loyal.com/products
[3] Clinical trials – Loyal https://loyal.com/clinical-trials
[4] Loyal Launches Nationwide, 1,000-Dog Clinical Trial for Drug to … https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240201088515/en/Loyal-Launches-Nationwide-1000-Dog-Clinical-Trial-for-Drug-to-Extend-Healthy-Lifespan-in-Senior-Dogs
[5] The next leap in pet health: longevity drugs for dogs – Labiotech.eu https://www.labiotech.eu/in-depth/longevity-drugs-for-dogs/
[6] Anti-aging drug for dogs in the works: Meet Boo, the 1st dog taking … https://www.livenowfox.com/news/anti-aging-dog-drug-loyal-clinical-trials
[7] Could a Drug Give Your Pet More Dog Years? – The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/science/longevity-drugs-dogs.html
[8] Loyal: pursuing longer, healthier lives for dogs – The Genetic Link https://blog.dnagenotek.com/loyal-pursuing-longer-healthier-lives-for-dogs
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