Test Of Rapamycin In Aging Dogs (TRIAD): Study Design And Rationale

Research Summary

This paper describes the design and rationale of TRIAD — a randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial of rapamycin in healthy middle-aged companion dogs enrolled through the Dog Aging Project.

Who Or What Was Studied?

Healthy middle-aged companion dogs taking part in the Dog Aging Project. Companion dogs vary in size, genetics and environment much like people, and they age faster, which is why they are used as a model for interventions against biological ageing.

What Did The Research Show?

• The trial is parallel-group, double-masked, placebo-controlled and run across multiple centres.
• It will measure both lifespan and several healthspan metrics rather than a single outcome.
• The authors present it as the first rigorous test of a pharmacological intervention against biological ageing in dogs with lifespan and healthspan endpoints.

Limitations And Interpretation

• This is a study protocol, not a result: no outcomes in dogs or humans are reported here.
• Nothing in the paper supports a dosing recommendation for people.