Scientists work on drug that could extend dogs' lives by 14%

The Dog Aging Project headed up by Matt Kaeberlein and Daniel Promislow intends to determine whether a drug called rapamycin may be the answer to extending humans' and dogs' lives beyond our wildest dreams.

The project aims to study 500 treated and placebo dogs over the course of their lives to determine whether rapamycin can halt the aging process in a higher animal. 

Promising studies 

In studies of yeast, worms and flies, the results were encouraging, according to Discover Magazine. Citing the results of a similar study on mice, Discover reports a 9-14% extension of lifespan. 

The Dog Aging Project was launched late last year with $23 million funding from the National Institute on Aging. Promislow and their colleagues have so far received 80,000 responses to their call for canine volunteers.

Can you imagine your pooch living 1-2 years longer? I mean, forever would be better, but we'll take this in a heartbeat!