When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.
Working at a supplement and health food store that also caters to pets, I regularly help people looking for holistic solutions for their aging pooches. Most pup parents would go to great lengths to add a few more healthy years to their pet’s life, but there are currently no lifespan-extending drugs on the market. However, San Francisco-based biotech firm Loyal wants to, and is about to, change that.
Loyal is currently developing an experimental drug to extend dogs’ lifespans and delay the onset of age-related diseases. They are developing all of these drugs under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conditional approval. The FDA has now accepted its Reasonable Expectation of Effectiveness, signaling substantial progress toward approval.
So, this groundbreaking new drug aims to extend your dog’s lifespan, and it’s backed by science, not science fiction. So, could this be the fountain of youth for your furry best friend? Here’s what you need to know about the clinical trial that could change veterinary medicine forever.
Loyal designed its drugs to modulate the levels of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone that plays a part in growth and metabolism. Larger dog breeds show a genetic variant that leads to increased levels of IGF-1. Loyal hopes to show that reduced IGF-1 levels in large breeds improve overall health and longevity.
Research shows that inhibiting IGF-1 increases the lifespan of flies, rodents, and worms. In humans, research has linked very low and very high levels of IGF-1 with an increased mortality risk.
What’s Inside The Longevity Drug For Dogs?
Loyal’s founder, Celine Halioua, emphasizes that the goal is to help increase a dog’s lifespan and improve their quality of life by delaying or preventing the onset of chronic diseases.
“We’re trying to make dogs live a longer, healthier life, to not develop age-related diseases as quickly as they normally would, and that leads to lifespan extension,” Halioua said on an episode of the podcast Build The Future.
There are three main drugs. The LOY–002 is an at-home daily pill hoping to extend the health and lifespan of older dogs. Loyal’s other two products, LOY-001, a quarterly injectable, and LOY-003, a daily pill, target the lifespan of large and giant breeds.
Inside The Groundbreaking Canine Trial
Loyal is currently testing LOY-002, a daily pill designed to extend the healthy lifespan of senior dogs in all but the most miniature breeds and sizes. The “STAY” study, a nationwide efficacy trial, is being conducted at 55 veterinary clinics and includes 1,000+ dog participants.
The study is double-blind and placebo-controlled. This means that clinicians give some dogs a placebo pill as a “control” to help Loyal researchers better identify the drug’s impact accurately. Neither the participant (dog owner) nor the clinician will know who receives the drug or the placebo to avoid bias in the results.
Want to see what this real-life longevity trial for dogs looks like? This quick news segment gives you an inside look at Loyal’s groundbreaking study and why it could be a game-changer for senior pups.
FDA Status Tracker: Does The Longevity Drug For Dogs Have Approval?
As of February 2025, Loyal has reached a critical milestone with its flagship longevity drug for dogs, LOY-002. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has officially accepted the Reasonable Expectation of Effectiveness (RXE) section of Loyal’s conditional approval application.
This is a strong indicator that the FDA believes LOY-002 is likely to be effective in extending the lifespan of senior dogs while preserving quality of life.
What Happens Next?
With RXE accepted, Loyal is now pursuing Expanded Conditional Approval (XCA). If successful, LOY-002 could become the first FDA-approved longevity drug for dogs. Loyal anticipates completing safety and manufacturing milestones by late 2025, keeping the company on track for rollout soon after.
Backed By Major Funding
Loyal recently secured $22 million in new funding to support this breakthrough, bringing their total to $150 million+. This investment is helping accelerate development and clinical studies. As you can see, this longevity drug for dogs is a HUGE deal.
You can follow the development process for each drug on Loyal’s website.
Is Your Pup Eligible For This Longevity Study?
Do you want to enroll your senior dog in the STAY clinical trial? To qualify, your pet needs to:
- Be 10 years or older
- Weigh 14+ pounds
- Live near a participating study location
Sign up via Loyal’s website or contact a study site directly to enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Longevity Drugs
We’ve received some questions from our readers regarding Loyal’s longevity drugs for dogs. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments.
What Is The FDA-Approved Shot For Dogs To Live Longer?
The FDA has accepted Loyal’s Reasonable Expectation of Effectiveness application for LOY-001. Loyal designed its injectable to be administered by a vet every three to six months. FDA approval is pending. The shot must first undergo a clinical trial.
When Will Loyal’s Drugs Be Available?
Both LOY-001 and LOY-003, which focus on correcting the overexpression of IGF-1 in large dogs, are expected to be available in late 2026. LOY-002, a drug focused on correcting metabolic dysfunction and IGF-1 overexpression in senior dogs, has a projected availability in late 2025.
What Dogs Are Eligible For This Longevity Drug?
LOY-002 is specifically formulated for senior dogs aged 10 years and older and weighing at least 14 pounds. It targets metabolic dysfunction, a root cause of aging, making it ideal for medium to large-sized aging dogs.
What Is The STAY Study & How Is It Related To LOY-002?
LOY-002 is being tested in Loyal’s ongoing STAY Study, the first FDA-approved longevity clinical trial for dogs. With over 1,000 dogs participating across 70+ clinics, this study is vital to proving the drug’s safety and effectiveness.
Is This Anti-Aging Or Just A Supplement?
LOY-002 is not a supplement. It’s a therapeutic drug undergoing FDA evaluation. Unlike over-the-counter products, LOY-002 is designed to intervene in the aging process at a metabolic level with rigorous scientific backing and regulatory oversight.
Boost Your Dog’s Lifespan Naturally
While science is making strides toward extending canine lifespans, there are still everyday habits that can make a big difference. Do you want to take proactive steps to maintain your puppy’s health? We cover a variety of preventative wellness tips, from the importance of annual dog check-ups to the 12 secrets to living a long life as a dog. A high-quality, well-balanced diet supports everything from immune health to mobility as your dog ages. Regular exercise keeps your dog’s body strong, weight in check, and mind sharp. These are all essential for healthy aging.
What do you think about this breakthrough drug? Would you consider it for your dog? Share your thoughts or your own experiences with senior dogs in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Living with a pup can be hugely rewarding to us humans, but because our pets’ lifespans are shorter than ours, it also comes with the inevitable goodbye. Tara has experienced the decline and loss of a beloved pet. This is just one of the reasons why she dedicates her time to ensuring our readers have the information they need to provide the best quality of life for their furry friends. Tara is part of the Canine Journal team, with over a decade of experience researching, testing, and writing about anything and everything dog-related. She also has 8+ years of experience in the wellness industry, with experience in pet nutrition and supplementation.
