Dogs have been long known as man’s best friend. They not only bring joy and warmth into our lives, but the latest developments in science suggest that may also help us in living longer. Scientists say that longevity drugs for dogs could also help to extend human life. Researchers are looking at the possibility of these longevity drugs slowing signs of aging in humans.
Loyal, a US biotech start-up is planning to launch LOY-002 earlier next year, a beef-flavoured pill to extend at least one extra year of healthy life in dogs. The company based in San Francisco has garnered $125 million in funding from companies, who had previously avoided human longevity projects due to their potentially lengthy timelines, reports to The Guardian.
Celine Halioua, who is the founder and chief executive of the company, and is part of Cellular Longevity, a biotech firm working on longevity thinks this work will also benefit humans. She pointed out that studying the age-related decline in dogs would offer an insight into humans, as dogs share similar environments and health challenges, in ways laboratory mice do not. The upcoming pill aims to reverse metabolic changes linked with aging.Meanwhile, the Dog Aging Project is testing rapamycin, which is a cheap and easily produced drug used as an immunosuppressant. It has been shown to extend the lifespan of mice. Preliminary findings suggest it could improve dogs’ heart and cognitive health by regulating cell growth and metabolism. The drug could potentially add three years to a dog’s healthy lifespan.
According to Daniel Promislow, a biogerontologist at the University of Washington and a co-director of the project, if this turns out to be successful in dogs, it could be a turning point for research on longevity for humans as well. This is the first large-scale, longitudinal study of large animals in a natural environment. The scientists claim that the current research that they are doing is similar to a 40-year-long study on humans.
So possibly in the near future, your dog may be the one leading you to longevity. Just like your fur baby makes you glow with happiness he/ she will be making you glow inside out, but slowing signs of ageing.
(Pic courtesy: iStock)
