India, April 9 -- A new daily pill being developed by US-based biotech firm Loyal is offering hope to pet owners, with early research suggesting it could extend the lifespan of senior dogs while maintaining their quality of life.

According to a report by Good, the experimental drug, called LOY-002, is designed for dogs aged 10 and older, particularly those weighing over 14 pounds.

LOY-002 is a beef-flavoured, prescription pill currently undergoing regulatory review. It is part of what researchers describe as one of the largest clinical trials in veterinary history focused on extending canine lifespan.

The drug targets a hormone known as Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays a key role in growth and metabolism.

While IGF-1 ...