Biotechnology companies are developing gene therapies and anti-ageing drugs aimed at extending the lifespans of dogs and cats, as the animal healthcare sector attracts investment in longevity research.
The developments were discussed at the first Animal Longevity Summit in Toronto, where researchers and industry representatives examined treatments for age-related diseases, gene therapy and cryopreservation.
The US pet and animal health market is estimated to be worth around $150 billion, creating opportunities for companies developing treatments aimed at improving animal health and extending lifespans.
Several biotechnology companies are already working on potential treatments. Romania-based The Cat Health Company is conducting clinical trials on two drug candidates targeting age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, and kidney disease in cats.
US company Rejuvenate Bio is developing gene therapy to treat mitral valve disease, a common heart condition in dogs. The company aims to expand its technology into treatments for metabolic diseases and potentially extend animal lifespans.
Belgium-based Genflow Biosciences is developing gene therapy targeting sarcopenia in dogs, with the longer-term intention of applying its research to human anti-ageing treatments.
The commercial potential extends beyond veterinary medicine, with some companies viewing animal longevity research as a route towards developing treatments for humans.
Genflow Biosciences plc (LON:GENF, OTCQB:GENFF, FRA:WQ5) is a UK-based biotech firm with R&D facilities in Belgium focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches that potentially halt or slow the aging process in humans and dogs supporting longer, healthier lives
