The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), in collaboration with the Dog Aging Project (DAP), has received $7 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand a clinical trial exploring the potential of rapamycin to extend the lives of companion dogs.
The Dog Aging Project and TRIAD
Launched in 2019, the DAP is a collaborative research initiative studying aging in dogs to gain insights into both canine and human health. The project has already enrolled over 50,000 dogs from diverse backgrounds, providing critical data on what contributes to a long and healthy life.
The Test of Rapamycin In Aging Dogs (TRIAD) is the third clinical trial under DAP, focusing on rapamycin, a drug traditionally used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplants. Earlier studies revealed that small doses of rapamycin improve cardiac function in dogs.
“With this new funding, we aim to expand the trial to include 580 dogs across additional sites nationwide,” said Dr. Kate Creevy, DAP’s chief veterinary officer.
Why Rapamycin?
Rapamycin, also known as sirolimus, works by altering cellular energy balance, mimicking the effects of intermittent fasting. Laboratory studies suggest it can enhance heart muscle function, cognitive performance, and mobility while potentially extending lifespan.
“This drug has shown promise in delaying age-related changes that mirror those in humans,” noted Dr. May Reed of the University of Washington. “Its translational potential is enormous.”
Trial Expansion and How to Participate
To participate in TRIAD, dogs must:
- Be over 7 years old
- Weigh at least 44 pounds (20 kg)
- Be in good general health
Owners are required to bring their dogs to participating clinical sites every six months for three years. Current trial locations span 17 cities, including:
- San Francisco, CA
- Athens, GA
- College Station, TX
- Madison, WI
For more information and enrollment, visit the DAP website, where owners can take a preliminary survey to determine eligibility.
Rapamycin for Dog Aging: Impact on Human Medicine
While TRIAD primarily supports healthy aging in dogs, its findings could have profound implications for human anti-aging therapies. Researchers hope rapamycin’s ability to improve heart muscle health might help human patients manage or prevent heart disease.
“This similarity between canine and human aging makes this research doubly impactful,” Creevy emphasized. “We’re grateful to the dedicated dog owners who make it all possible.”
