Support the Continuation of the Dog Aging Project
Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D., Director of the National Institutes of Health
The Dog Aging Project represents a pioneering effort in the scientific community. It engages nearly 50,000 Americans in research, and drives significant advancements in aging biology. Despite its remarkable success, the project now faces uncertainty in its ongoing funding. Your voice is crucial to secure its future.
Initiated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2018, this project aims to understand aging in dogs, and to ultimately help us extend healthy lifespan of both humans and pets. It has surpassed all expectations, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic’s challenges, with substantial achievements such as:
- Creating the largest longitudinal study of aging in the world
- Publishing over 50 influential peer-reviewed papers
- Developing a free, open-access database with more than 36.5 million data points
- Initiating the first-ever randomized clinical trial for longevity
These efforts have sparked global research and inspired biotechnology companies to seek new life-extending treatments.
Now, we stand at a crossroads. The Dog Aging Project has become a symbol of hope, demonstrating the power of science in a period of skepticism. Its loss would not only hinder advancements in health but also diminish the public’s engagement with science and their faith in NIH.
We urge the NIH to reaffirm their commitment to this vital work. This isn't merely about scientific inquiry; it's about improving lives. Join us in advocating for the Dog Aging Project. Together, we can secure a future where the health and vitality of our beloved dogs shed light on our own paths to healthy long lives.
Act now. Lend your voice to champion the Dog Aging Project and contribute to a healthier tomorrow.
Petition by
To:
Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D., Director of the National Institutes of Health
From:
[Your Name]
The Dog Aging Project is a groundbreaking initiative and one of the most impactful scientific projects in America. After only five years of NIH funding, the Dog Aging Project has engaged nearly 50,000 Americans in biomedical research, creating a thriving community of citizen scientists dedicated to understanding and improving the aging process. The project has fueled major advances in both the public and private sectors. Unfortunately, the leadership at the National Institute on Aging is unwilling to commit support for this flagship study in the face of budgetary uncertainty. This lack of commitment is threatening the future of this immensely valuable initiative. We are requesting your support to ensure its continuation.
First funded by the NIH in 2018, the Dog Aging Project seeks to understand the biological mechanisms of aging in companion dogs and translate that knowledge to improve longevity and healthspan in humans and companion animals. Despite the hardships presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dog Aging Project exceeded all expectations, both in terms of productivity and impact. Among the notable achievements are creation of the largest longitudinal study of aging in the world, more than 50 influential peer-reviewed scientific publications, a continually growing open-access database containing over 36.5 million data points and 8.5 million genetic variants, and the launch of the first-ever randomized clinical trial for longevity. These resources have fueled dozens of additional research studies by investigators around the world and inspired companies to seek FDA approval for life-extending interventions.
The Dog Aging Project is ranked among the most impactful NIH studies over the past five years and is featured on the NIA website for its potential to transform the field of aging research. It has captured the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of people around the globe at a time when trust in science is at an all-time low. But this beacon of hope and progress needs NIH support to continue shining. The Dog Aging Project's contributions to our understanding of aging are unparalleled, and its potential to revolutionize health care is immense. As it stands, this project not only enhances the NIH's reputation but also democratizes science, making it accessible and relatable to everyone.
We urge NIH to uphold its commitment to the Dog Aging Project. This appeal transcends scientific curiosity; it's a call to enrich lives—both canine and human. We stand ready to continue this journey with NIH's esteemed support, for the benefit of all.