Trial aims to demonstrate capacity to extend healthspan in older animals as company continues to progress towards human trials.
Longevity biotech Genflow Biosciences has commenced a gene therapy trial aimed at addressing age-related decline in dogs. The trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the company’s SIRT6 gene therapy in extending healthspan in older canines.
By targeting the SIRT6 gene, which has been linked to extended lifespan in centenarians, Genflow hopes to generate insights that could inform future treatments for both veterinary and human applications. The trial’s launch was announced in conjunction with a recent investment of ~$560,000 from an institutional backer to accelerate the company’s research programs.
The study involves 28 dogs aged ten years and older and is being conducted in collaboration with Syngene, a contract research organization. Over the course of a year, dogs receiving the therapy via intravenous injections will be compared to an untreated control group. Researchers will assess biological age using the GrimAge methylation clock, monitor changes in muscle mass and strength, evaluate mitochondrial function, track coat condition and measure overall well-being. The six-month treatment period will be followed by a six-month observation phase to assess lasting effects. The results of the trial are expected by the end of 2025.
“As a devoted dog owner myself, I have a 9-year-old golden retriever, I know firsthand the desire we all share for more happy, healthy years of with our beloved pets,” said Genflow CEO Dr Eric Leire. “Our goal is not just to extend their lifespan, but to enhance their quality of life. By targeting biological aging in dogs, we also can unlock groundbreaking insights that could revolutionize both veterinary and human medicine. This research has the potential to reshape the way we approach aging, offering hope for longer, healthier lives for all.”
Genflow's new research agreement with Magnitude Biosciences puts the company on track to drive research and pre-clinical drug discovery.
Dr Eric Leire is founder and CEO of Genflow Biosciences.
Genflow’s broader focus is on developing gene therapies targeting aging-related diseases in humans, with its lead compound, GF-1002, in the pre-IND phase for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a prevalent chronic liver condition. GF-1002, which delivers a centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene, has demonstrated adipogenic, anti-fibrotic and anti-tumoral properties in preclinical studies, positioning it as a potential breakthrough treatment for MASH.
Beyond its work in liver disease, Genflow is investigating therapies for sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass associated with aging, and is engaged in a three-year research collaboration with cell therapy firm Revatis to restore mitochondrial function and combat muscle deterioration. Genflow is also advancing research into Werner Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that serves as a model for premature aging.
Disclosure: First Longevity Ltd which operates this website (Longevity.Technology) has a commercial interest in Genflow Biosciences Ltd.
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