New Therapies May Extend the Lifespan of Dogs and Cats

New Therapies Aimed at Extending the Lifespans of Cats and Dogs

            We love our pets and many of us wish that they would live forever, or at least longer than the 8 to 16 year lifespan common for most dogs and cats.  It turns out, scientists are studying drugs that may help our pets live longer. Multiple independent researchers are conducting research with the intent of creating drugs to extend the lives of cats and dogs.  And, if more is understood about the science of aging in our companion animals, these drugs may eventually unlock keys to human aging and extending our lives as well.

            Within the next few years, veterinarians may have the tools to help large breed dogs in particular but potentially all dogs live longer.  A company called Loyal has hypothesized that a hormone called insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may be responsible in part for aging and longevity.  Higher levels of IGF-1 found in large and giant breed dogs may contribute to them aging faster than smaller breeds.  The IGF-1 hormone drives cell growth and is partly responsible for allowing some breeds to grow so big.  While no one hormone is likely responsible for aging, lowering the amount IGF-1 in mature dogs seems to improve health, longevity and quality of life.  Loyal expects to gain FDA approval in the next few years for a twice-yearly injection and/or a pill that would limit IGF-1 and extend quality and quantity of life.

            Another research study called the Dog Aging Project is looking at a drug called rapamycin which has shown anti-aging effects in animals like flies, worms and rodents. It is not yet known if the same results will be seen in dogs, but studies are ongoing.  Rapamycin blocks a molecule that regulates cell growth and death.  If this molecule is blocked, cell proliferation and cell death could be reduced thereby extending one’s lifespan.

            A third research project called Vaika is studying sled dogs and looking at aging sled dogs. The focus is on DNA damage. The theory is that DNA damage that accumulates with age may trigger the immune system to destroy affected cells which may in turn cause tissue damage.  Vaika researcher Andrei Gudkov proposes that this DNA damage is caused by fragments of ancient viruses which he calls the retrobiome that have been incorporated into the body’s DNA over millions of years. He is testing an experimental drug which should diminish the activity of the retrobiome in aging dogs thus reducing damage to DNA and improving the dog’s lifespan and quality of life. 

            In Japan, Professor Toru Miyazaki may have found a way to double the lifespan of cats and to reduce damage done by chronic kidney disease. A molecule called AIM responsible for slowing the death of a type of white blood cell called a macrophage is the subject of Miyazaki’s research. A drug given as an injection every 6 months may help to “clean up” waste in the kidney and extend a cat’s lifespan.  The AIM protein is also being produced as a supplement in an experimental cat food with the goal to prevent kidney disease in cats.

In all of these studies, the goal, of course is not just a longer lifespan, but a desire to improve the health and quality of life in aging dogs and cats.  While none of these treatments are approved at this time, the future of pet ownership and veterinary medicine may be allowing our pets to enjoy much more time with their humans.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.sciencealert.com/a-radical-new-drug-is-poised-to-extend-the-life-of-dogs

https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/08/15/1057697/scientists-extend-lifespan-pet-dogs-owners/

https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/en/features/z1304_00039.html

https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/article/15468760/cat-food-with-activated-aim-protein-launched