Podcast Summary
First approved drug for extending dog lifespan reaches significant milestone: Scientists are closer to creating the first approved drug for extending the lives of large and giant breed dogs, bringing a significant milestone in animal biotechnology and potential ethical debates.
A San Francisco biotech company called Loyal, in partnership with Crynetics, has developed a new medication named LoyalCanine, which has cleared a significant FDA hurdle, bringing it closer to becoming the first approved drug for extending the lifespan of dogs, particularly large and giant breeds. The FDA's acknowledgement of this drug's potential marks a milestone in animal biotechnology, as no such drug has been approved for longevity enhancement in animals or humans before. This development is significant as scientists have long been interested in life extension, having studied various genes and pathways in animals like rodents and fruit flies, with the gene controlling dog size and lifespan being linked to a well-understood longevity pathway. Loyal's drug aims to extend the lives of large and giant breed dogs, which typically have shorter lifespans due to their size. The ethical implications of this development are a topic of ongoing debate, with animal ethicists expressing concerns while scientists remain optimistic.
Large dogs live shorter lives due to higher IGF 1 levels: Scientists are developing a drug to reduce IGF 1 levels in large dogs to extend their lifespan, but more research is needed on its effects on bone growth and metabolism.
Large dog breeds have shorter lives than smaller breeds due to higher levels of the hormone IGF 1, which accelerates their aging process. Scientists believe that breeding for size over the past century has resulted in this disparity. A company called Loyal is developing a drug to reduce IGF 1 levels in large dogs, aiming to extend their lifespan. Initial studies suggest that the drug can bring IGF 1 levels down to those seen in medium-sized dogs. However, it's unclear how the drug will affect bone growth and metabolism in large dogs, and more research is needed. Loyal is planning a larger trial involving around 1,000 dogs to study the drug's efficacy. If you have a large or giant breed dog, you might be able to enroll them in the trial. The drug is intended for dogs that are at least 7 years old, but the full impact on their health at that age is not yet known.
Loyola Pharmaceutical's New Drug for Large Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Loyola Pharmaceutical is developing secelimab, a drug for large dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, which may receive conditional FDA approval if trials prove effective, safe, and reliable. The drug's target, IGF-1, is also present in humans and linked to health issues, aiming for human applications eventually.
Loyola Pharmaceutical is working on a drug called secelimab, which is currently in the trial stage for extending the lives of large dogs with a condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). The drug is given as an injection every 3 to 6 months, and if the results of the ongoing large-scale study are positive, the FDA may grant a conditional approval for the drug's sale for up to 5 years. However, Loyola must demonstrate the drug's effectiveness, safety, and reliable manufacturing to the FDA. Side effects, such as runny stools, have been reported but are being further investigated in the larger trial. Critics question the investment in this pet drug versus human applications, but Loyola and the life extension field aim to bring similar drugs to humans eventually, as IGF-1, the target of secelimab, is also present in humans and linked to health issues. The ultimate goal is to extend both the lifespan and healthy years for humans. Emily Mullen of Wired reported on this development. Ethical considerations regarding animal testing will be discussed in an upcoming segment. Support for this episode comes from Mint Mobile, offering affordable cell phone plans without hidden fees.
Mint Mobile's Affordable Wireless Plans vs Pet Care: Mint Mobile offers affordable plans, but conditions apply. In pet care, prioritize well-being over extending life with drugs.
Mint Mobile offers wireless plans for just $15 a month for new customers on a 3-month unlimited plan, but there are conditions like a $45 upfront payment and slower speeds above 40 GB. On a different note, in the realm of animal ethics, it's essential to consider the interests of pets beyond our own. Giving pets drugs to extend their lives might not be in their best interest, as they can't communicate potential risks or side effects. Instead, focusing on their well-being and quality of life is crucial. This discussion highlights the importance of considering the unique perspectives and needs of our companion animals.
Considering pets' needs, not just our desires: When deciding on life-extending medication for pets, prioritize their health and wellbeing over personal attachment, and make informed decisions based on their current condition.
When considering the use of a potentially life-extending medication for pets, it's crucial to put their needs above our own desires and consider their current health status. The decision should be based on what's best for the animal, not just our attachment to them or the benefits they bring to our lives. It's essential to remove our biases and think from the animal's perspective. However, it's important to note that if this drug receives FDA conditional approval, it won't have been proven effective in extending a healthy animal's lifespan. Therefore, pet owners should be aware of this and make informed decisions based on their pets' health and wellbeing.
Ethical concerns of extending human lifespan with drugs: The potential of life-extending drugs raises ethical concerns regarding fairness and access, as they could widen health disparities and distract us from living fully in the present.
While the potential of life-extending drugs for humans is intriguing, it raises ethical concerns regarding fairness and access. The speaker acknowledges the distinction between medical interventions that treat or prevent disease and those that enhance, and believes that this drug falls into the enhancement category. They argue that our perception of a normal lifespan has changed over time, but the cost of these drugs could exacerbate existing health disparities. Additionally, the speaker suggests that focusing too much on extending life may distract us from appreciating the importance of living fully in the present. Furthermore, they argue that we should consider the ethical implications of how animals are bred and prioritize improving their quality of life before considering extending it with drugs.
Today Explained team members' pets make an appearance in credits: Podcast team members include Amanda Llewellyn with dog Opie, Matthew Collette with dog Orzo, Laura Bullard with dogs Murph and Muzzy, and David Herman with a cat. They're working on an episode about millennials and motherhood.
The team behind Today Explained, a podcast that covers current news and events, put their pets' names in the credits for the second time this year. The show is produced by Amanda Llewellyn with her little brother dog, Opie. It was edited by Matthew Collette, who is a father to Orzo. Laura Bullard, mom of Murph and Muzzy, fact-checked the episode. David Herman, a cat person, engineered the show. They are currently working on an episode about millennials and their feelings towards motherhood. If you're a millennial born between 1981 and 1990 and have thoughts on the topic, give them a call at 202-643-0314. The episode is supported by Fundrise, a real estate investment platform that plans to expand its portfolio despite the challenging market conditions. Listeners are encouraged to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing.
