Longevity biotech is all the rage in Silicon Valley for human health. And now there’s a clinical trial with a new twist: longevity science for dogs.

What’s happening:

• Silicon Valley based startup Loyal is launching a clinical trial to validate their therapeutic drug for extending dog’s lifespan
  
• The new clinical trial is widely seen as the largest clinical trial ever for veterinary medicine
  
• Loyal has notable backers such as Khosla Ventures, First Round Capital, Box Group, Collaborative Fund, The Longevity Fund and others
  

Why it matters:

• There have been very few meaningful breakthroughs in the science around helping animals live longer and extend lifespan
  
• If Loyal is able to successful win FDA approval they would become the first ever startup to have a prescription medication for extending dog’s lifespan and overall quality of mobility and health
  

By the numbers:

• Over 1,000 dogs will receive the drug manufactured by Loyal, which will be disguised inside of a treat
  

The intrigue:

• Loyal is keeping the specifics around their drug and how it works a closely guarded secret until the completion of the clinical trial
  

Going deeper:

• If the clinical trial proves successful Loyal believes it could have major implications for the health of human beings as well

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