Introduction to the STAY Study

The STAY study, a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of a life-extending drug called LOY-002, has reached a significant milestone. In February 2024, Boo, an 11-year-old Whippet, became the first patient to participate in the trial. Since then, the study has made tremendous progress, with Winston, a 10-year-old Miniature Dachshund, becoming the thousandth dog to enroll in April 2025.

The Purpose of the STAY Study

The STAY study aims to test the effectiveness of LOY-002 in extending the healthy lifespan of senior dogs. The drug works by inhibiting the overexpression of IGF-1, a hormone that drives cell growth and is part of the longevity pathway in animals and humans. Large dogs, in particular, have higher levels of IGF-1, which can lead to a shorter lifespan. By reducing IGF-1 overexpression, LOY-002 has the potential to extend a dog’s healthy lifespan.

The Significance of the STAY Study

The STAY study is significant not only for dog owners but also for the scientific community. The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine has agreed that the data from the LOY-001 trial, the predecessor to LOY-002, supports a "reasonable expectation of effectiveness." This is the first time the FDA has accepted a drug to extend the lifespan of any species by reducing age-related disease.

The Progress of the STAY Study

The STAY study has made significant progress since its inception. With the enrollment of Winston, the study has reached a milestone of 1,000 dogs. The study is now the largest clinical trial in veterinary history. However, more dogs are needed to expand the study’s sample size and ensure that the true effects of LOY-002 are observed.

What’s Next for the STAY Study

The goal of the STAY study is to enroll 1,300 dogs. Loyal, the biotech company behind the study, plans to finish recruiting the final 300 dogs in the next few months. Dog owners who are interested in participating in the study can check the Loyal website to see if their dog is eligible.

Conclusion

The STAY study has the potential to revolutionize the way we care for our canine companions. With its focus on extending the healthy lifespan of senior dogs, the study offers hope to dog owners who want to give their pets the best possible life. As the study continues to progress, we can expect to see more exciting developments in the field of veterinary medicine. For now, the enrollment of Winston, the thousandth dog, marks a significant milestone in the study’s journey towards a longer, healthier life for our furry friends.