Genflow Biosciences is set to present full results from its SLAB dog longevity study in October 2026. The study is testing whether the company’s SIRT6-based gene therapy can safely improve signs of ageing in elderly dogs. Strong results could support Genflow’s animal health strategy, strengthen its case with potential partners and add credibility to its wider longevity platform.
If the full results support the earlier interim findings, Genflow may have stronger evidence for its animal health strategy and a better platform from which to pursue commercial partnerships.
The SLAB study, also called GF-1004, is being carried out in elderly beagles. It is designed to assess safety and early signs of benefit from Genflow’s gene therapy. The therapy uses a centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene, which the company believes may help protect against age-related decline. Rather than treating one specific disease, the approach is aimed at improving the underlying biology of ageing.
Dogs age faster than humans, but they share some similar biological ageing processes. This gives Genflow a way to test its approach in a real ageing model while also targeting a market where treatments for older companion animals may have commercial potential.
The company has already reported positive interim findings. No adverse events were seen across treatment groups, which is important for any gene therapy programme. Safety is often one of the biggest concerns for investors in early biotechnology companies, so a clean interim profile helps reduce one of the main development risks.
The interim data also suggested possible benefits in muscle mass, frailty, coat quality, vitality and quality of life. Treated dogs also showed better survival than untreated controls.
The company also wants to use its SIRT6 platform in human health. Its pipeline includes programmes linked to MASH, sarcopenia and glaucoma, all of which are associated with age-related disease. Positive dog data would not prove that the same approach will work in humans, but it could support the logic behind the platform and help justify further development.
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
