Key points from article :
The Dog Aging Project aims to demonstrate dogs as a compelling model for aging and age-related disease in humans.
Started a clinical trial using rapamycin in healthy dogs to show improvement in lifespan and healthspan.
Matt Kaeberlein believes that rapamycin is the best shot for a longevity intervention in a clinical trial.
Trial comes after two short-term pilot studies in dogs, predominantly to show safety data.
The 3-year study focuses on seven year old healthy dogs weighing at least 40 pounds at the time of enrolment.
Following a recent donation, the trial is now extended to around 600 dogs.
“This is really the first true clinical trial for aging or longevity, because this is a healthy aging study,” says Kaeberlein.
Lifespan is the primary endpoint; multiple secondary endpoints include heart function, cognitive function, kidney function and activity.
Kaeberlein hopes a positive trial in dogs would have a broader impact on the field of aging and geroscience in general.
