Loyal

Loyal is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing drugs to extend the healthy lifespan of dogs. Founded in 2019 by Celine Halioua, the company operates in the veterinary medicine and animal health market, pioneering a new category of preventative medicines that target the underlying mechanisms of aging. Halioua, who studied neuroscience and has a background in biotechnology and health economics, was inspired to start Loyal to address the disparity in lifespan between dog breeds and the potential to translate canine longevity research to human health. The company's business model centers on the research, development, and eventual sale of FDA-approved prescription drugs for veterinarians. While currently pre-revenue, Loyal has secured significant funding, raising over $150 million from investors including Bain Capital Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and Valor Equity Partners.

Loyal is developing a portfolio of products aimed at increasing healthspan and lifespan in different segments of the dog population. One of its leading candidates, LOY-001, is an injectable drug designed for large and giant breed dogs that works by reducing levels of the growth hormone IGF-1, a factor linked to their accelerated aging. Another product, LOY-002, is a daily beef-flavored tablet for senior dogs (10 years or older, weighing at least 14 pounds) that targets age-related metabolic dysfunction to improve quality of life and extend lifespan. The company is also developing LOY-003, a daily pill version of the large-dog formula. A key differentiator for Loyal is its commitment to the rigorous FDA approval process, setting its products apart from unregulated supplements. The company has achieved several significant milestones, including receiving formal acceptance from the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) on the "Reasonable Expectation of Effectiveness" for both LOY-001 and LOY-002. Loyal is conducting large-scale clinical trials, such as the STAY study with over 1,000 dogs, to gather the necessary data for full conditional approval, with a potential market launch anticipated as early as 2026 pending final FDA reviews on safety and manufacturing.

Keywords: canine longevity, dog lifespan extension, veterinary biotech, animal health, pet pharmaceuticals, Celine Halioua, anti-aging for dogs, IGF-1 inhibitor, FDA approval veterinary, large breed dogs, senior dog health, metabolic health, preventative veterinary medicine, clinical trials dogs, Loyal for Dogs, LOY-001, LOY-002, pet health technology, companion animal health, aging biology