For years, pet owners have watched their beloved canine companions age, longing for a way to slow down the process. Now, that dream may be inching closer to reality. Researchers are developing an anti-aging drug for dogs, and trials are showing promising results. But could the science behind this drug hold the key to unlocking the secrets of longevity for humans as well?
Dog Aging Project receives $7 million NIH grant to expand anti-aging drug trial
Researchers from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have been awarded a $7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further expand their clinical trial exploring the potential of rapamycin to extend the lifespan of companion dogs. This research is part of The Dog Aging Project (DAP), a pioneering initiative that seeks to understand the biology of aging and improve both canine and human health.
Launched in 2019, DAP is a community-driven, collaborative study between the University of Washington School of Medicine and Texas A&M, with additional institutions involved. The project aims to gather data on the aging process by enrolling dogs from various backgrounds, investigating what contributes to a longer, healthier life for dogs, and ultimately advancing knowledge about human aging as well. To date, more than 50,000 dogs have joined the study.
The Test of Rapamycin In Aging Dogs (TRIAD) is the third clinical trial in the DAP to test rapamycin, a generic drug traditionally used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplants. Early findings from DAP trials suggest that, in small doses, rapamycin has the potential to improve heart function in dogs, a key factor in aging.
“As both people and animals age, the heart begins to stiffen, making it beat less effectively because it cannot fully relax between beats,” said Dr. Kate Creevy, DAP chief veterinary officer and a professor in the VMBS’ Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. “Evidence from laboratory studies suggests that rapamycin can improve heart muscle function, cognitive function, and mobility, as well as extending lifespan.”
“So far, we’ve enrolled 170 dogs in the trial and have 20 sites where owners can participate,” she said. “With this new funding, we’re hoping to expand the number of participating dogs to 580 and add new locations across the country.”
Could this study help humans live longer?
The TRIAD trial directly focuses on improving canine healthspan, but its findings have significant implications for human anti-aging research.
Dr. May Reed, a geriatrician at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a co-principal investigator of the study, emphasized the significant translational potential of this research. She noted that dogs experience many of the same age-related cognitive, sensory, neurological, and mobility changes as older humans. The possibility that rapamycin could delay these age-related changes in dogs is highly promising, with significant implications for human health.
Dr. Kate Creevy, DAP Chief Veterinary Officer, also highlighted the mutual benefits of this research for both dogs and humans. She emphasized that by studying aging in dogs, researchers can gain valuable insights that can be applied to improve human healthspan. The dedication of dog owners to their pets’ well-being is crucial to the success of this research, making it both possible and profoundly meaningful.
When will the anti-aging drug for dogs be available for sale?
Given the ongoing nature of the DAP and the regulatory processes involved in bringing a drug to market, it remains uncertain when the rapamycin-based anti-aging medication will be commercially available to dog owners.
However, as of January 2025, several other anti-aging drugs for dogs are under development, with their availability to pet owners expected in the near future. One such drug, LOY-001, developed by the veterinary medicine company Loyal, has completed the initial phase of FDA approval. According to Northeastern Global News, Loyal aims to gain conditional FDA approval by early 2025, with plans to make the drug available to dog owners.