01/15/2026
Fascinating news from the FDA, they have stated that a new drug for large dogs that promotes longevity shows plausible effects, though the drug has not yet been approved. There have been a lot of aging studies on dogs recently. They thought with larger dogs is that they have been bred to have a higher IGF1 than smaller dogs so, the theory goes, smaller dogs live longer because of their lower IGF. This new drug helps lower IGF1 in larger dogs after they’ve already grown.
This concept has been studied in humans too. it turns out that people with very high IGF are very prone to cancer and heart disease. You can see this in people that have acromegaly from large amounts of growth hormone They’re very prone to endocrine tumors, including prostate cancer and uterine and ovarian cancer. Likewise a population was found that has very low IGF1, and they have no cancers whatsoever.
Studies on centenarians have not been so clear. Some studies have shown that centenarians actually have a higher IGF1 while multiple have shown lower IGF1. Studies on centenarians’ children, looking at their genes as they grow older has shown lower IGF1 and a correlation to longer life expectancy.
How IGF one works is fairly complicated. It has good effects and bad effects and can promote muscle growth but it also can create what is called senescent cells that increase inflammation. IGF1also stimulates mTOR pathway which is a known aging pathway.
Interestingly, high protein diets, stimulate IGF1 and mTOR. I always find it confusing when these anti-aging doctors are promoting a high protein diets while taking medicationslike rapamycin, which specifically block mTOR. Basically they’re eating a high protein diet that is stimulating mTOR while taking a drug to try to block mTOR. This makes no sense.
Recently I had my blood work done and my IGF was below normal slightly. This has not affected my muscle growth as I continue to grow muscle. Could it protect me and help me live longer? Possibly! I’m going to continue my diet with low animal protein, so that maybe I could live as long as Louie on his soon to be released, IGF blocking medication.
