Latest news with #CelineHalioua
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Forbes Daily: Another China Tariff Extension
An innovative San Francisco startup is hoping it has discovered a treatment to help man's best friend live longer. Loyal, featured on Forbes' Next Billion-Dollar Startups list, is developing an oral pill to delay canine aging, and its first treatment could reach the market by next year. The firm doesn't have any revenue yet, but founder and CEO Celine Halioua is in conversations with the FDA and has cleared some initial roadblocks. The potential market is massive: Some 60 million households in the U.S. have nearly 90 million dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, and one day Loyal's technology could even be used for humans. ETHAN PINES, CODY PICKENS, ALEXANDER KARNUKHIN, AND SHAWN HUBBARD FOR FORBES For 11 years and counting, Forbes has partnered with TrueBridge Capital Partners to release its list of 25 venture-backed startups we think are most likely to reach a $1 billion valuation, and unsurprisingly in 2025, AI dominated. The list is one to watch: Of the 250 alumni we've selected over the years, 56% became unicorns, including DoorDash, Figma and Anduril. Just hours before a previous 90-day moratorium was set to expire, President Donald Trump extended the pause on higher tariffs on Chinese goods for another 90 days. The extension marks Trump's latest reversal on trade and comes just days after pauses on most other countries were lifted, driving tariffs to an average of more than 18%, the highest level since 1934, according to the Yale Budget Lab. President Donald Trump eased investors' fears as he announced gold imports would not be subject to tariffs, despite earlier information from Customs and Border Protection. U.S. gold futures briefly hit an all-time high Friday, as the commodity is typically seen as a safe haven, especially amid the tariff-induced market chaos. WEALTH + ENTREPRENEURSHIP James Litinsky Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg Last month, the U.S. inked an unusual deal, purchasing a stake in rare earths miner MP Materials in an effort to reduce reliance on China, which dominates the global rare earths market. Since its agreement with the Department of Defense, MP Materials has seen shares surge 150%, making founder and CEO James Litinsky a billionaire, with an estimated $1.2 billion net worth. TECH + INNOVATION The task of digitally simulating a living cell has proven difficult for researchers, but startup Tahoe Therapeutics got one step closer to that goal earlier this year, in what its CEO described as a 'Mars landing moment for single-cell datasets.' This vast dataset from the firm, which said Monday it had raised $30 million in new venture funding, shows how different kinds of cancer cells responded to interactions with over 1,000 different molecules, and will be crucial for training AI models. Elon Musk attacked Apple in a series of posts on X, alleging the iPhone-maker was refusing to highlight his social media platform and AI chatbot Grok on the App Store, and boosting his rival and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI's products instead. Musk then noted his company, xAI, will take 'immediate legal action,' without offering further details on when. MONEY + POLITICS President Donald Trump, accompanied by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaks during a news conference at the White House Monday. Getty Images President Donald Trump said Monday that the federal government would take control of Washington, D.C. police and deploy 800 National Guard troops, citing the need to combat crime in the capital city, which reached a 30-year low this year. The Home Rule Act gives the president authority to use the city's police force 'for federal purposes' in emergency situations, but only for 30 days, unless Congress approves an extension. And Trump's moves could face legal pushback—a trial began Monday over the president's decision to send troops to Los Angeles earlier this summer. A federal judge denied the government's motion to unseal the records from a grand jury that indicted Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2020, despite the government claiming there was 'abundant public interest' warranting their release. Grand jury records are typically kept under seal, and the judge said most of the information in the records was already public knowledge. SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT Just days after its merger with Skydance, Paramount secured streaming and broadcast rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in a $7.7 billion deal. UFC CEO Dana White tells Forbes he had a preexisting relationship with Larry Ellison and David, one of many network executives who were looking to land the MMA behemoth, swooped in to land the deal. 'These guys came in aggressive with an all-or-nothing approach and said, 'We want the whole thing,'' White says. 'The Ellisons are brilliant businessmen and have a whole game plan behind this thing. I can't wait to be in business with them.' DAILY COVER STORY Apex Wants To Bring Henry Ford-Style Mass Production To Satellites Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon. Ethan Pines for Forbes Startup Apex Technology's new factory in Los Angeles is part of what CEO and cofounder Ian Cinnamon sees as the wave of the future for the satellite industry. Satellite manufacturing has long been a bespoke business, with each spacecraft customized for their mission, like taking pictures of the Earth or beaming down TV signals. Elevated costs and delays have come with the territory. With more and more small satellites being launched into low-Earth orbit, Apex is trying to convince constellation developers that it would be faster and more affordable to use a standardized spacecraft instead. Apex is offering three different types of 'buses,' meaning the main body of the satellite, including power and control systems—customers just have to add their own sensors and other payloads. Satellite manufacturers booked $20 billion in revenue worldwide last year, according to the Satellite Industry Association. Apex hopes to contend for a big share of a growing pie as the U.S. military expands in space. Apex has a long way to go: The company only produced three satellites in 2024. It's aiming for 10 this year. Still, strong sales boosted its revenue last year to $60 million, Forbes estimates, mostly from predelivery payments for its Aries bus, which can carry up to 330 pounds of payload, and Nova, which can hold twice as much. Cinnamon says that orders have topped $100 million from roughly a dozen customers, with defense accounting for about two-thirds. WHY IT MATTERS 'Standardized satellites could drive down prices and the time it takes to put spacecraft in orbit,' says Forbes senior editor Jeremy Bogaisky. 'That could lead to new uses—and help the U.S. in its competition with China for supremacy in space.' MORE The U.S. Government Is Stuck With SpaceX. But Trump Can Still Hurt It. FACTS + COMMENTS Tropical Storm Erin formed Monday and is expected to become the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season. The potential risks to the U.S. remain unclear: Five: The number of named storms that have formed so far this hurricane season, though none have reached hurricane strength 13 to 18: How many named storms the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects this season 50%: The chance for an an above-normal season, per NOAA STRATEGY + SUCCESS If you work remotely, your contributions are more likely to fly under-the-radar, so it's critical to be visible in the workplace. Be sure that you're communicating clearly and often, sending regular updates on projects, and stay proactive in addressing problems that come up. Try to collaborate with other teams by joining cross-functional meetings or working groups—it can be a great way to get face time with departments outside your own, while also helping others know your value as an employee. VIDEO QUIZ An American tech investor purchased jeweler Fabergé from a British mining company. What intricately designed item is the jeweler known for making? A. Handbags B. Jewelry boxes C. Decorative eggs D. Watches Check your answer. Thanks for reading! This edition of Forbes Daily was edited by Sarah Whitmire and Chris Dobstaff.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Longer Leash On Life: Inside Dog Longevity Startup Loyal
D ogs don't live long enough. The family Lab might make it to 14; bigger beasts like Bernese mountain dogs are lucky to see 9. Celine Halioua thinks they deserve a few more years. A scientist, Oxford Ph.D. dropout and former chief of staff at the first venture capital fund focused on longevity-related biotechs, she has spent the last nearly six years building Loyal, a San Francisco startup developing drugs to delay canine aging by targeting metabolic and hormonal imbalances before they become disease. The company's first beef-flavored longevity pill could hit the market by 2026, potentially extending dogs' lives—and perhaps someday ours as well. 'I realized that to do this in humans would take billions of dollars, patent issues and trauma, but you could do it in dogs,' says Halioua, 30, whose own dog, Della, is a senior Rottweiler mix that she adopted three years ago. Loyal doesn't have any revenue yet, but Halioua is in conversations with the FDA and has cleared early hurdles. Under the agency's conditional approval program for innovative veterinary drugs, Halioua hopes to get the okay to be on the market with its first drug, which changes the metabolism of senior dogs (ages 10 and up) to mimic a low-calorie diet, which has been shown to extend their lives, next year. Loyal also has both a shot and a pill in the works to lengthen large dogs' short lifespans by limiting a growth hormone more prevalent in big dogs than small. Halioua has raised $135 million in equity (and an additional $20 million in venture debt) from top investors that include Bain Capital, First Round, Khosla Ventures and Valor Equity Partners at a valuation of $425 million. The market is potentially enormous: There are nearly 90 million dogs across some 60 million households in the United States, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Last year those households spent an average of $1,852 on their pups, a 6% increase over 2023. Loyal's drugs have the potential to quickly generate hundreds of millions in revenue, should they get the regulatory nod. That's why Loyal made the cut for this year's Next Billion-Dollar Startups list, Forbes' annual showcase of the 25 companies we think most likely to reach a $1 billion valuation. While artificial intelligence dominates this year's cohort, Loyal shows that not every successful early-stage startup has to be in AI. 'There are some things that are too important to not try. Loyal would be among those—and it seems to have worked out fairly well,' says investor Vinod Khosla, whose firm has invested in at least 10 longevity-related startups and whose own dogs are Newfoundlands, a giant breed that can weigh up to 150 pounds. Dog Years: Loyal CEO Celine Halioua doesn't know exactly how old her Rottweiler rescue Della is ('about 12') but she may not have much time left. 'It is actually heartbreaking how old she is. It's very motivating.' Ethan Pines for Forbes While Loyal's initial market is dogs, it hopes that success there will someday open an even bigger one: people. But that's a herculean task. Getting a longevity drug for dogs approved might cost $25 million and take five years. Creating one for humans and getting it approved would cost at least $1 billion and take well over a decade. Plus, the human longevity field is notorious for cranks, unproven supplements and fly-by-night clinics. 'People think of longevity and they think snake oil or billionaires trying to live forever and the exaggerated claims. Loyal's approach is much more nuanced,' Halioua says. Ultimately, she thinks the science will win out. 'I think the general public will be blown away when they realize they can go to the vet and get a drug to extend their dogs' lifespan,' she says. 'Then they'll be like, 'Why can't I do this for my grandma?'' H alioua, an alumna of the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Science, grew up in Austin, Texas. Her mother, a Moroccan immigrant with a Ph.D. focused on nutrition, and her father, a German immigrant who worked as a carpenter, had settled there when it was known more for hippies than Teslas. She grew up with a menagerie that included more than 10 cats, multiple dogs and other rescue animals. 'We would always have kittens and wild baby squirrels and opossums and turtles and birds with broken wings,' she says. At the University of Texas at Austin, she started as an art major but soon discovered that her true passion was science. Long hours in the lab and two summers working on neurological diseases at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine in San Diego further refined her interest in preventive medicine and longevity. 'It just didn't make sense to me that we were waiting until these patients were diagnosed with an acutely terminal disease to then try to intervene and help them,' she says. 'We don't wait until our car's engine is smoking on the highway to do maintenance on it. We do maintenance over time. Why aren't we doing that with the human body?' 'Everybody was like, 'It's not possible.' I was like, 'It's possible.' ' In January 2018, while at Oxford pursuing a Ph.D. in the health economics of gene therapy, she joined the Longevity Fund, a VC firm based in San Francisco (then officially dropped out of Oxford in 2019). There, she learned about early research that showed how a single genetic change could extend the life of a roundworm. She was blown away. She later read a seminal 14-year study of caloric restriction in Labrador retrievers from the Purina Institute, which found that cutting how much they ate by 25% could increase their lifespan by nearly two years. She now has a distinctive tattoo on her arm of the head of a Lab, the face of a mouse and the squiggly body of that worm, the trio representing some of the most successful lifespan extension studies that have been done. 'This biology had existed for decades,' she says. 'I had become extremely fascinated, somewhat obsessed, with it, but nobody had ever turned it into a medicine.' She found a like-minded collaborator in 2019: investor Greg Rosen, now a partner at BoxGroup, who had been thinking about creating a dog-cloning startup based on some research he'd seen in South Korea. Halioua pitched him on an adjacent idea at Philz Coffee on Folsom Street in San Francisco. 'She said, 'Look, I know nothing about dog cloning, but all my work is on longevity. What about a dog longevity business?' ' Rosen says. 'We spent the next six months together hashing it out. 'Is this remotely technologically feasible, and can we even raise money for it?' ' In January 2020, Loyal launched with $4.5 million in seed funding and a singular goal: to develop the first drug for life extension. 'Everybody was like, 'It's not possible,' ' Halioua says. 'I was like, 'It's possible.' ' Her first idea was to develop a one-time gene therapy injection to slow aging in large dogs by inhibiting a growth hormone. But gene therapy is ridiculously expensive—a problem for cash-paying dog owners—and a one-time shot also raised the risks of something going wrong. 'I wouldn't give it to my dog if it had a one in 1,000 chance of killing them,' she says. She went back to the drawing board and decided to focus on more traditional shots and pills that are cheaper and safer because the drugs don't induce a permanent genetic change. While the company hasn't set prices yet, she figures they could be somewhere between the cost of a heartworm medication and arthritis injections, or less than $150 a month. 'I don't plan on price gouging or anything,' she says. Her timing was impeccable: In 2019, the FDA had expanded conditional approval for certain innovative animal medicines, allowing drugmakers like Loyal to sell their medications after demonstrating their safety and ability to manufacture them but before they'd fully proven their efficacy. They then have five years after approval to demonstrate that the drug works with continued clinical studies. This February, Loyal passed a significant milestone toward conditional approval of its first drug, which mimics caloric restriction, when the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine said the company had demonstrated it had a 'reasonable expectation' of effectiveness. Halioua was attending a wedding in Panama with her boyfriend (now fiancé) when she got word from her regulatory team over Slack. Still in the pool, she star-ted screaming when she heard the news. The other guests 'thought 'this loud American,' ' she says with a laugh. 'Then they realized I was celebra-ting. I think they thought I got proposed to and brought Champagne.' A t the Barlow Trail Veterinary Clinic in Sandy, Oregon, near Mount Hood, Dr. Jaime Houston has enrolled 105 canines in Loyal's study of its first therapeutic, which helps regulate old dogs' metabolisms to help them live longer. 'Most of my clients who have older dogs, I discuss Loyal with them, and nine out of ten want their dogs to be in the study,' Houston says. Loyal dosed its first patient, an 11-year-old whippet named Boo, at the Animal Hospital of Dauphin County in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in December 2023. The double-blind, placebo- controlled study, which is expected to last around five years, has now enrolled 1,300 dogs at more than 70 veterinary clinics across the country. It's the largest animal clinical trial ever conducted. Halioua has a second drug in the works focused on large dogs. The pill version is based on a molecule created by publicly traded Crinetics Pharmaceuticals that was originally part of a human drug to treat problems with too much growth hormone. 'They had this hypothesis about large dogs, and we had this clinical-class compound we weren't going to do anything with,' says Crinetics cofounder and chief scientific officer Steve Betz. Better yet, from Loyal's perspective, it had already been tested—and shown to reduce growth hormone—in rats and dogs. Eventually, Loyal's work with dogs might show the way for human longevity medications. But in the meantime, Halioua is convinced that the drugs will be a game changer for the millions of Americans with older dogs they wish had more time. 'I've never really had any anxiety about us being wrong,' she says. 'This is where the world is going to go.' More from Forbes Forbes Why This Billionaire Berkeley Professor Won't Leave The Classroom By Martina Di Licosa Forbes 'Smoke And Mirrors': How This Entrepreneur Exaggerated And Self-Promoted Her Way Into Turmoil By Monica Hunter-Hart Forbes MIT Spinout Strand Therapeutics Raises $153 Million To Make Cancerous Tumors Light Up By Amy Feldman Forbes The Eighth-Generation Heir Driving Big Changes At Philippines' Oldest Conglomerate Ayala By Jonathan Burgos Forbes How A 60-Year-Old Drug Developer Built A $4.4 Billion Biotech Treating 'Butterfly Skin Disease' By Amy Feldman
Toronto Sun
29-06-2025
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Longevity drug for dogs could extend life of pets, and maybe humans
A new longevity drug for dogs aims to extend the life of Fido while also helping humans live longer. Photo by iStock / GETTY IMAGES Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Move over, cats with nine lives. A new longevity drug for dogs aims to extend the life of Fido while also helping humans live longer. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account A U.S. biotech company's anti-aging drugs are designed to extend the lifespan of your canine companion, according to the New York Post . 'The longevity space is crowded right now, and for good reason,' Celine Halioua, founder and CEO of Loyal, told the Post . 'We all want to figure out how to get more happy, healthy years for our loved ones —especially the furry ones.' Prior to launching Loyal in 2019, Halioua worked on treatments for neurodegenerative diseases in humans – conditions that, much like aging in dogs, have no true preventative medicine. 'This combination of experience sparked my mission to develop the first drug approved for healthy lifespan extension,' she said. Loyal has a trio of longevity drugs in the works, including two meant to specifically target larger breeds that typically have much shorter lifespans. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Small dogs such as Chihuahuas can live for 18 years or longer, however, giant breeds such as Great Danes don't typically make it beyond 10. Enter LOY-001 and LOY-003. These drugs target dogs age seven and older that weigh at least 40 pounds. The drugs work by reducing levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is a hormone that fuels cell growth. Scientists believe that high levels of IGF-1 shorten the lifespan of large dogs, which can have up to 28 times more of the hormone than smaller breeds. LOL-001 is an injectable given a few times per year by a vet, while LOY-003 is a daily chewable pill. Both drugs are in pilot studies and Loyal is looking at conditional FDA approval by 2027. The company's third longevity drug, LOY-002, is further along in development and targets senior dogs age 10 and up that weigh at least 14 pounds. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The drug targets metabolism — the complex system of chemical reactions that powers essential functions like breaking down food, producing energy and repairing cells. As metabolism slows with age, it can lead to insulin resistance and trigger health issues in both humans and dogs. 'Improving metabolic health is one of the most well-validated pathways for extending both lifespan and healthspan,' Halioua said. Read More 'Research (shows) it can improve health and reduce the risk of age-related diseases across species — from mice to humans,' she added. Loyal anticipates that the drug will receive conditional approval by the FDA in 2026. 'We're on track to develop the first-ever FDA-approved drug for longevity — for any species,' Halioua said. 'Dogs share our environments and develop remarkably similar age-related diseases at similar stages of life, making them valuable models for human health and scientific research,' she added. For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to – a member of the Postmedia Network. Sports Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists
New York Post
17-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
New longevity drug for dogs could extend your pet's life — and pave the way for humans to live longer too
Sit, stay… live longer? Research shows that owning a dog can help humans live longer, healthier lives. Now, a US biotech company wants to return the favor with anti-aging drugs designed to extend the lifespan of your canine companion. 'The longevity space is crowded right now, and for good reason,' Celine Halioua, founder and CEO of Loyal, told The Post. 'We all want to figure out how to get more happy, healthy years for our loved ones —especially the furry ones.' 6 Celine Halioua is leading the push to develop drugs that extend the lives of dogs. X/@loyalfordogs Before launching Loyal in 2019, Halioua worked on treatments for neurodegenerative diseases in humans — conditions that, much like aging in dogs, have no true preventive medicine. 'This combination of experience sparked my mission to develop the first drug approved for healthy lifespan extension,' she said. Good boys, great science Loyal has three longevity drugs in the pipeline, including two that specifically target bigger breeds, which typically have much shorter lifespans. While small dogs like Chihuahuas can live for 18 years or longer, giant breeds such as Great Danes would be lucky to make it to ten. That's where LOY-001 and LOY-003 come in. These drugs target dogs age seven and older that weigh at least 40 pounds. 6 Loyal's drugs aim to increase and quality of life for senior dogs. X/Celine Halioua They work by reducing levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that fuels cell growth. Scientists believe that high levels of IGF-1 shorten the lifespan of large dogs, which can have up to 28 times more of the hormone than smaller breeds. One version, LOY-001, is an injectable given a few times a year at the vet. The other, LOY-003, is a daily chewable pill. Both drugs are currently in pilot studies, and Loyal is eyeing conditional FDA approval by 2027. Loyal's third longevity drug, LOY-002, is even further along in development. The treatment targets senior dogs age 10 and up that weigh at least 14 pounds. It's currently being tested in a large-scale clinical trial involving more than 1,200 dogs across 70 clinics, making it one of the biggest studies in veterinary history, according to Halioua. 6 Small dogs tend to have a longer lifespan than larger breeds. X/Celine Halioua The drug works by targeting metabolism — the complex system of chemical reactions that powers essential functions like breaking down food, producing energy and repairing cells. As metabolism slows with age, it can lead to insulin resistance and trigger a range of health issues in both humans and dogs, including cognitive decline, osteoarthritis and cancer. 'Improving metabolic health is one of the most well-validated pathways for extending both lifespan and healthspan,' Halioua said. 'Research [shows] it can improve health and reduce the risk of age-related diseases across species — from mice to humans,' she added. So far, things are looking paws-itive. A pilot study of 48 dogs showed no adverse effects after three months of LOY‑002. 6 Both LOY-002 and LOY-003 are administered via a daily pill. X/Celine Halioua Loyal previously told The Guardian it's hoping the drug could add at least one extra year to a dog's life — and they'll be healthier during that time, too. Once it's approved, Halioua hopes LOY‑002 will become a common preventive tool, like flea and tick medication. 'We expect all dogs to benefit from its ability to protect against, and even reverse, some of the harmful effects of metabolic dysfunction,' she said. Loyal anticipates that the drug will receive conditional approval by the FDA in 2026. 6 Loyal is aiming to enroll 1,300 dogs in it's LOY-002 study. X/Celine Halioua But the dogs aren't the only ones who could benefit. 'We're on track to develop the first-ever FDA-approved drug for longevity — for any species,' Halioua said. 'Dogs share our environments and develop remarkably similar age-related diseases at similar stages of life, making them valuable models for human health and scientific research,' she added. Dogs make us healthier, too Halioua's lifelong love of animals runs deep. 'I've always been surrounded by animals — growing up, my family had 15 pets and rehabilitated wild animals,' she said. 'My Rottweiler, Della, is always by my side and is a major influence on the work I do.' It turns out dogs don't just bring love — they could bring health benefits as well. Studies show that dogs can ease loneliness, stress and anxiety. One even found that just 10 minutes of petting a pooch can significantly reduce levels of cortisol, the body's main stress hormone. 6 Dogs are known for their unconditional love and companionship. yurakrasil – Even locking eyes with your dog gives your brain a boost. A 2009 Japanese study found that staring into their eyes raises oxytocin — the 'love hormone' linked to bonding and happiness. Dogs might even help you live longer. A sweeping review of research from 1950 to 2019 found that dog owners consistently have a lower risk of death compared to those without pets. It's no accident. Research shows that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease. Plus, they get more exercise, which builds muscle, strengthen bones and joints and keeps weight in check. That's no coincidence. Dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and less risk of heart disease. Plus, they're more active — walking their dogs regularly strengthens muscles, bones and joints, and helps keep weight in check. Some research even links dog ownership to bigger brains and sharper thinking, with faster processing speed and better memory. And here's the kicker: a major study found owning a dog lowers dementia risk — a benefit not shared by cat owners.
The Guardian
23-03-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Life in the old dog yet: how biotech firms are looking to extend the lives of our pets
Last November, my family brought home a puppy. Frankie was eight weeks old when he came to live with us, and right now, watching him bound around with my seven-year-old son, I don't want to imagine ever saying goodbye to him. Well, maybe I won't need to, or rather, I can at least kick that day into the long grass, and buy Frankie some extra time. After all, scientific understanding of the mechanisms of ageing has never been better; there is a plethora of longevity products to choose from and more in the pipeline, including a kind of diet pill for dogs; and, thanks to research into lifespan expansion for pets over the last decade, prescription-based longevity interventions that are now approaching FDA approval. All I have to do, it seems, is put in the time, care and (lots of) cash. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. But should I do so? Don't our pets live long enough already? And whose needs would I be serving – my own or my pooch's? In the UK, the life expectancy for a dog is just over 11 years, while cats average 14. As a working cocker spaniel, Frankie should be with us for 12-15 years – old enough that he'll still be around when my son leaves home, just not long enough to see me into my dotage. That's fine by me – let the cycle of life and death proceed apace. I side with the dog owners who are happy to take however many woofs, walks and belly rubs they can get. But the figures show that many of us are investing a significant amount of money and time into extending the lifespan of our four-legged friends. In the UK, the pet supplement industry is worth around $255m, with the overall pet market in the US set to reach a value of $200bn by 2030: this growth is driven partly by an increased spending on pharmaceuticals, diagnostic testing and vet bills. There are wearable activity trackers for dogs and cats, smart collars that collect sleep data, temperature-adjustable beds and apps to analyse your pets' poop. But we're now seeing the emergence of something new: longevity-focused pills and injections that can address the more fundamental causes of pet mortality. 'We live in the same environments as our dogs and share similar lifestyles,' says Celine Halioua, the founder of Loyal – a San Francisco-based biotech startup that's so far secured $150m in investment to develop what it hopes will be the first widely available lifespan-extension drug for dogs. Loyal's research is based on the observation that larger dog breeds tend to have shorter lifespans – Newfoundlands live for an average of 8-10 years, while Chihuahuas average 15-17. To address this, they're developing a range of vet-prescribed products for the US market that turn down production of IGF-1, a hormone that manages cell growth, found at high levels in larger dogs. Research across a number of species suggests links between IGF-1, age-related disease and longevity in several species – driven in part by higher oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. 'You could argue that by breeding for larger dogs, we have – to some extent – also bred in a faster rate of ageing in those dogs,' says Dr Matt Kaeberlin, a biologist and longevity expert. 'And so turning down IGF-1 would almost definitely have an effect if you administered it while the dog was young – but then, of course, you'd end up with a small dog. The question is if it will work in middle-age, after the dog has stopped growing. But even if it doesn't, it should have a pretty big effect on cancer [IGF-1 stimulates cell proliferation, which is linked to the development of some cancers], which we know is a major killer.' As dogs live longer, cancer is increasingly common as a cause of death – especially among breeds like the Bernese mountain dog and bull mastiff. 'That means Loyal really has two chances for their system to work,' says Kaeberlin. 'So I'm pretty optimistic that it's going to show some positive effects.' The company has three drugs in development – Loy-001 and 003 are specifically aimed at larger dogs, while Loy-002, aimed at dogs over 10, is the closest to full FDA approval. In February, the daily tablet received its 'reasonable expectation of effectiveness' acknowledgment from the FDA and could be prescribed in the US this year. Of course, this isn't the only theory about how pets' lives might be extended, or the only solution on offer. One of the best-evidenced interventions for humans and other species is calorie restriction: in one 14-year study conducted in a laboratory environment, Labrador retrievers that were fed 25% less than their full-fed siblings saw a mean increase in lifespan of 15% (important to note: the 'lean-fed' dogs weren't malnourished and the diet restriction had no adverse effects on skeletal strength or metabolism). Similar levels of calorie restriction seem to have a positive effect on biomarkers of ageing in humans – but very few people are suggesting that it's something you should try with a pet. 'Caloric restriction in a laboratory environment is very protected,' says Dr Kaeberlin. 'Animals' exposure to pathogens in a lab is very different and the number of processes in the body that are modified by restricting calories is in the tens of thousands. But there are a lot of negative consequences that go along with very severe caloric restriction in the real world.' In other words, it's fine, and probably advisable, to keep an eye on your dog's weight – obesity in animals, as in humans, can lead to a raft of health conditions – but not to deliberately restrict their eating over the long term. However, a project co-created by Kaeberlin is also testing another intervention that mimics some of the effects of calorie restriction and can actually be administered in pill form – an artificial drug named rapamycin, originally developed as an immunosuppressant for organ transplant patients. The Dog Aging Project, a US-based research initiative currently following tens of thousands of non-laboratory dogs in a long-term study, has been running trials to determine the effects of rapamycin on dogs since 2018, after receiving a five-year grant for nearly $29m from the National Institute on Aging. They've prescribed rapamycin to thousands of pet dogs in double-blind, placebo- controlled trials – tracking their health progress through annual questionnaires (or in some cases, DNA testing). 'I believe rapamycin is the best shot on goal,' says Kaeberlin. 'Other than caloric restriction, it's the intervention for which there is by far the most data in preclinical studies, both for lifespan and pretty much every measure of healthspan that people have looked at.' Rapamycin has already shown promising results in worms, yeast and mice – in the latter, it's been shown to increase lifespan by a median 25%, while also affecting the prevalence of certain cancers. Some of Silicon Valley's human longevity fans, not wanting to wait for formal human trials or FDA approval, are already including rapamycin in their supplement stacks. (Bryan 'Don't Die' Johnson, the Silicon Valley entrepreneur who spends $2m a year on longevity treatments and has his own Netflix documentary, recently ended his own five-year protocol, citing side effects including 'soft tissue infections, lipid abnormalities… and increased resting heart rate'.) Rapamycin works by inhibiting a protein now commonly known as mTOR (or the 'mechanistic target of rapamycin' – yes, it's named after the drug), which regulates cell growth and metabolism. 'What mTOR fundamentally does is that it senses the environment an animal is in, particularly with regard to nutrition, and helps the animal's cells make a decision about whether it's a good time to grow or reproduce,' says Kaeberlin. 'So for instance, if there's not very much food around that's a really bad time to have babies – so that turns mTOR down. And one of the side effects of that from an evolutionary perspective is that you enhance stress resistance – and one consequence of that increased resistance is slower biological ageing.' Other competing theories might offer promising leads, but aren't (yet) as well funded or researched. The New York-based Vaika Project has spent years tracking the health of a group of 103 retired sled dogs, looking at DNA damage, but doesn't yet have a suggested intervention in pill form and has been forced to cut back its tracking efforts due to funding issues. In Japan, former professor and immunology researcher Toru Miyazaki is studying an inhibitor that might protect cats from kidney disease by helping them dispose of dead cells more efficiently – AIM30, a cat kibble based on his findings, is already on sale, but trials for a vaccine are ongoing. At least one breed of guinea pigs has had their entire genome sequenced as a model for studying Alzheimer's, heart disease and other disorders in humans – but so far, that hasn't resulted in any longevity interventions for the pet variety. So what about owners who want to tackle their beloved pets' health now? Plenty of over-the-counter supplements offer ingredients that have shown promising results in mice or flies, but little evidence of their efficacy in larger animals. Humans are more helpful: there are any number of other lifespan or healthspan-enhancing interventions available to certain pets, some better evidenced than others. DNA testing, for instance, can help to predict whether your cat or dog has genetic mutations that might predispose them to certain illnesses or adverse reactions to other medication. Epigenetics is another promising area for investigation, as studies increasingly suggest that environmental factors can play a key role in controlling which of an animals' existing genes are expressed – however good or bad a genetic hand a pet's been dealt, stress, nutrition and exercise can all play a part. And, as with humans, we're also starting to understand that the gut and microbiome are likely to play a huge role. Deficiencies in gut bacteria, for instance, have been linked to neurological issues in dogs and small cell lymphoma in cats. 'There's some evidence that dogs in particular are born with a compromised microbiome,' says Anna Webb, a canine nutrition and behaviour specialist. 'And also that unlike, say, horses, which tend to bounce back pretty well after a course of antibiotics or medication, dogs' microbiomes don't. And part of this might come from ongoing diet choices – where, for instance, owners are opting for a convenience-style diet that we're increasingly understanding may not contain what dogs really need to thrive. Dogs seem to do very well eating raw meat that's unadulterated, packed with the moisture and juices that they thrive on.' It's surprisingly difficult to find good quality data on disease incidence and lifespan in dogs and cats – even in the US, electronic record systems are fragmented across different vets, and some still use paper. But what seems uncontestable is that the things that are good for us as humans – eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise and outdoor time, feeling valued and loved – are also good for our shorter-lived companions, in ways we're just starting to understand. The microbiome, for instance, seems to be topped up by being outdoors, while studies suggest that dogs share stress levels with their owners. 'There are several instances on record of dogs in Australia that lived into their mid-20s,' says Webb. 'These were dogs that just lived on sheep farms, running around outdoors, having a blast, eating things like cows' tails and whatever they found on their travels. A real dog's life, if you like.' And in the way that humans seem to benefit from moderation, movement and ways to de-stress, it's likely the same thing happens in other mammals. 'As a veterinarian with a focus on animal nutrition, I do find the development of longevity pill regimes for dogs intriguing, and I'm cautiously optimistic on the better-evidenced options,' says Dr Michael Thompson, founder of Pets Food Safety, an organisation dedicated to providing dietary advice for pets. 'But until longevity pills become more widely approved and available, I advocate for evidence-based approaches to improve a pet's lifespan. Ensuring pets receive a balanced diet tailored to their specific life stages, including adequate protein intake, essential for maintaining muscle mass, is crucial.' 'Maintaining an active lifestyle helps keep pets at a healthy body weight and prevents obesity, which is a significant factor in various diseases – and particularly with senior pets, cognitive health is just as important as physical health,' he says. 'Engaging toys, training, and environmental enrichment can keep pets mentally sharp. Oral health is often overlooked, but dental disease can lead to systemic health issues. Regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental cleanings can extend a pet's life. In my practice, I've seen that when these basics of care are adhered to, pets tend to enjoy not just longer lives, but ones characterised by improved health and vitality.' But the biggest question remains: if you can give your pet longer life with an injection or a pill, should you? It probably goes without saying that any intervention is only worthwhile if it increases an animal's healthspan – the proportion of life they're active and healthy – in lockstep with lifespan, but even then, is a few more years at the tail end of a pets' life really for them, or for you? For me, though it's easy to say right now, I doubt I'll invest in extending Frankie's life beyond what he's likely to naturally get. As a man living in the UK, I'll be very happy if I make it to the end of my expected 78.8 years in relatively decent shape – and if my dog makes it to 15 or so with most of his joie de vivre intact, I feel like I'll have done my job. I can also see it from other points of view. 'If I had the money, I would absolutely look into interventions like these for some of our animals,' says Holly Brockwell, who runs a no-kill shelter for disabled, elderly and unloved cats. 'Sometimes you get one who's had a really hard life and by the time you get them they're on their last legs and you just want to give them some more time being happy and loved. I did chemotherapy on one of my ancient mogs for that reason when she got cancer, but to be quite honest, it wasn't worth the side-effects. This sounds like it might be an alternative.' Other people, at different stages of their lives, might need the companionship of their best friends in ways that I (hopefully) won't, or find the pain of replacing them too much to do it often. I certainly sympathise. But that's the tragedy and beauty of life, that everything ends. No longevity treatment is promising to let pets live as long as their owners, and there are always going to be sad goodbyes. But the important thing for all of us, humans, cats, dogs, and even guinea pigs, is to live our best lives, for as long as we can.
