Japanese doctor develops drug that may double lifespan of cats by preventing kidney failure

A new drug developed in Japan could extend cats' lives by potentially curing feline chronic kidney disease.

Speaking to NHK, the drug was developed by Japanese immunologist and doctor Toru Miyazaki.

The aim is to make it publicly available by 2027.

Protein in kidneys causes problems for cats

Miyazaki shared that cats cannot activate a protein critical for clearing waste from the kidneys.

Research suggests that a protein called AIM (Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage) is inactive in cats.

This prevents the cleaning up of waste in the kidneys, causing it to build up, and leads to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

He then researched and developed a new drug that provides the cat with the protein needed to effectively remove waste, thereby stopping the disease's progression.

This eventually prolongs the cat's life.

Success rate

Miyazaki shared that during the testing stage, 85 per cent of cats with near-terminal-stage kidney disease treated with the drug survived.

"Some of the cats lived as long as five years. And it is noteworthy that they were not just alive, but were very healthy," Miyazaki told NHK.

Not a smooth journey

Miyazaki told NHK that his research faced funding difficulties at one point.

He shared that the work relied on donations from various companies, but during the pandemic, those donations stopped due to economic difficulties.

However, in 2021, after an interview, Miyazaki saw a surge in donations to his research, and within a month the total reached about US$2 million (S$2.5 million).

Miyazaki shared that he plans to submit an application to the Japanese government for approval in April 2026 and hopes it will be approved by the end of 2026.

He added that they would like to provide the drug in Japan to as many animal hospitals as possible at a reasonable price.

Top photos via Canva & Grey Coat Research/website