A San Francisco biotech company is one step closer to offering the first FDA-approved drug designed to extend the healthy lifespan of senior dogs.
Loyal has developed LOY-002, a beef-flavored daily prescription pill for dogs 10 years and older that weigh at least 14 pounds. The drug targets age-related metabolic dysfunction by lowering elevated levels of the hormone IGF-1, which drives rapid growth in puppies but speeds up aging and disease later in life.
In January 2026, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine accepted the Target Animal Safety data for LOY-002. Combined with the earlier acceptance of the Reasonable Expectation of Effectiveness section, the company has now cleared two of the three major requirements for expanded conditional approval. Only the manufacturing review remains.
If approved, LOY-002 could reach veterinarians as early as late 2026 under conditional approval and become the first FDA-approved drug ever intended to extend lifespan itself in any species. Loyal is also conducting the STAY study — the largest clinical trial in animal health history — with more than 1,300 senior dogs enrolled across 70 veterinary clinics nationwide. Early safety data showed no clinically significant side effects.
The goal is not immortality but more quality time. Loyal hopes the pill will delay the onset of age-related diseases so dogs can stay active and enjoy life longer with their families. The company is developing similar treatments tailored for large and giant breeds, which typically have shorter lifespans.
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If approved, LOY-002 could reach veterinarians as early as late 2026 under conditional approval
