BIG NEWS FOR DOG LOVERS: An anti-aging drug for dogs - no surgery, no complicated procedures — could be hitting the market by 2026.

Developed by biotech startup Loyal, the experimental drug LOY-001 is tailored for large and giant-breed dogs (over 40 lbs) and targets IGF-1, a hormone linked to rapid growth and accelerated aging. The FDA has granted conditional approval and labels it as showing a

"reasonable expectation of effectiveness". This could make it the first-ever longevity drug for any species.

In parallel, another formula - LOY-002 - targets older dogs of nearly all sizes by improving their metabolic health, with early trials underway. The goal is to preserve both lifespan and healthspan - keeping dogs active, happy, and pain-free in their golden years.

If approved, this could transform how we care for aging pets - potentially adding healthy, joyful years without major interventions.

The development of age-delaying medications represents a significant leap forward in veterinary science, targeting the root causes of aging rather than just treating symptoms.

These innovative treatments focus on metabolic health and hormone regulation, particularly in larger breeds who typically have shorter lifespans due to higher IGF-1 levels.

Clinical trials currently underway involve over 1,000 dogs across 50 veterinary clinics, making it one of the most extensive studies in canine health history.

The research could potentially unlock secrets about aging that benefit not just our four-legged companions, but human longevity as well, as dogs share many aging-related biological pathways with humans.