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20 January 2025
Dogs, our loyal companions, may hold the key to unlocking better health and longevity for both canines and humans. The Dog Aging Project (DAP), a landmark study aimed at improving the understanding of dog aging, has received a $7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding will help expand a clinical trial investigating the effects of rapamycin, a drug that could potentially extend the lives of dogs—and perhaps even humans.
Launched in 2019 as a collaboration between the University of Washington School of Medicine and Texas A&M University, the DAP has grown into a community-driven research project, enrolling over 50,000 dogs. The study aims to explore the aging process in dogs, gathering data to help improve canine lives and provide valuable insights into human aging.
The current study aims to determine whether rapamycin, an immunosuppressant drug used in human organ transplants, can help extend dogs’ lifespans. It builds on previous findings suggesting that small doses of rapamycin could improve heart function, cognitive ability, and overall mobility in aging dogs.
The TRIAD (Test of Rapamycin In Aging Dogs) clinical trial, now in its third phase, aims to expand its research by enrolling 580 dogs, up from the original 170. The trial focuses on healthy dogs over the age of 7. With the new funding, researchers plan to increase the number of participating locations across the United States.
Dr. Kate Creevy, the DAP’s Chief Veterinary Officer, explains that as dogs age, they experience changes similar to humans, such as heart muscle stiffening, cognitive decline, and decreased mobility. Rapamycin is believed to counteract these effects, potentially improving heart and brain function and extending lifespan.
Rapamycin affects the cellular energy balance, mimicking the effects of intermittent fasting, a technique that has been shown to improve health and promote longevity. While dogs don’t suffer from the same aging diseases as humans, such as coronary artery disease, rapamycin’s positive impact on heart muscle function may help treat heart-related conditions in both species.
The researchers hope that the drug’s potential to improve heart function could delay the onset of heart disease in humans and dogs, possibly allowing individuals to manage heart attacks and other health conditions better.
Though the immediate goal of the trial is to support healthy aging in dogs, the research has a broader application for human health. Dogs experience similar cognitive and mobility changes as humans as they age, and the success of rapamycin in dogs could lead to advancements in anti-aging treatments for humans.
Dr. May Reed, a geriatrician at the University of Washington School of Medicine, notes that the research could help delay age-related cognitive impairments and functional decline in both species. This presents an exciting opportunity to improve humans’ and dogs’ quality of life as they age.
The TRIAD study is open to dogs that meet the following criteria: they must be over 7 years old, in good general health, and weigh at least 44 pounds. Participating dogs must visit one of the clinical trial sites every six months for three years, with an initial health assessment required.
Current TRIAD sites include locations across the U.S., from California to New York. Owners interested in enrolling their dogs in TRIAD or DAP can visit the project’s website for more information and to complete a preliminary survey to determine eligibility.
The DAP’s research is powered by the dedication of dog owners, who provide valuable data on their pets’ health and well-being. Dr. Creevy acknowledges that participating in a clinical trial requires significant commitment, but she is grateful for the owners’ involvement, noting that it is essential for advancing the research.
Dog owners who enroll in the DAP can continue to participate with a second dog if their first dog passes away, further supporting the study’s continuity. The DAP team encourages owners to register and contribute to this groundbreaking research, which can improve the lives of both humans and dogs.
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