Genflow Reports Preliminary Survival and Functional Gains in Aged Dogs Treated with AAV8-SIRT6 Gene Therapy

Feb 13, 2026-Genflow Biosciences has reported encouraging preliminary interim results from its SLAB (Sarcopenia and Longevity in Aged Beagles) clinical study evaluating an AAV-based SIRT6 gene therapy in elderly dogs. The London-based longevity biotech is developing AAV gene therapies targeting age-related diseases and is using companion animal studies to generate translational data that may support future human AAV therapeutic programs.

The SLAB trial enrolled 24 beagles aged 10 years or older and assigned them across four groups, including two naked DNA treatment cohorts at different dose levels, a single-dose AAV8 cohort, and an untreated control arm. The AAV8 gene therapy arm utilizes an adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) vector to deliver a variant of the SIRT6 gene systemically, enabling sustained in vivo expression following a single administration. The study was designed as a proof-of-concept to evaluate whether AAV-mediated SIRT6 gene delivery can mitigate functional decline associated with aging.

According to the interim analysis, animals treated with the AAV8-SIRT6 gene therapy demonstrated “superior survival” compared to control animals during the dosing period. Beyond survival, AAV-treated dogs showed improvements across multiple functional endpoints, including preservation of muscle mass, reductions in frailty scores, enhanced quality-of-life metrics, and visible improvements such as coat condition. In contrast, untreated animals followed a more typical trajectory of age-related deterioration.

The use of an AAV vector is central to the program’s design. AAV gene therapy is widely recognized for its ability to enable long-term transgene expression with a favorable safety profile in vivo. In this study, AAV8 was selected based on its known tropism and systemic delivery characteristics, supporting efficient transduction and durable SIRT6 expression in target tissues. The company reports that the AAV approach demonstrated an excellent safety profile at this interim stage, further supporting the feasibility of systemic AAV gene transfer in aged animals.

SIRT6 has emerged as a key regulator of DNA repair, genome stability, and metabolic homeostasis. Preclinical research suggests that enhancing SIRT6 activity may improve resilience to age-associated decline. By leveraging AAV-based gene therapy to drive sustained SIRT6 expression, Genflow aims to establish a differentiated longevity platform built on AAV vector technology.

The findings remain preliminary, and additional endpoints are under evaluation. These include biological age assessment through DNA methylation clock analysis, detailed muscle biopsy histology, durability of AAV-mediated expression, and monitoring for age-related disease emergence. A comprehensive update, including molecular and histological data relevant to AAV transgene performance, is expected in the coming months.

Beyond its companion animal program, Genflow Biosciences is advancing AAV gene therapy programs targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), Werner Syndrome, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ophthalmology indications. If confirmed in subsequent analyses, these early data may position AAV-SIRT6 gene therapy as a promising platform at the intersection of veterinary longevity and human AAV therapeutics.