If there’s one thing we’d like to change about life with cats, it’s that we have to say goodbye too soon. We’d prefer them to be immortal, but in lieu of that, we’d settle for extending their lives well past the average 15 years. Wouldn’t it be every cat lover’s dream to spend more quality time together? Now, it looks like such a thing might be within the realm of possibility in many cases. A scientist from Japan is developing an injectable ‘AIM vaccine’ that could double some cats’ lifespans!
As one author put it, cats could have 18 lives, not the usual nine. While not a cure, it could help greatly extend the lifespan of cats affected by chronic kidney disease, so common in adult cats.
AIM Vaccine Could Help More Cats Live to Age 30
As we know, a few rare cats have been known to live to age 30, with the oldest verified cat who ever lived reaching 38, Crème Puff, from Austin, Texas. But soon, living to age 30 may be much more common.
In 2014, an immunology specialist at the University of Tokyo, Toru Miyazaki, discovered a protein with a long name, apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM). Put simply, the AIM molecule helps support important white blood cells called macrophages. Wherever AIM accumulates, the immune system cells arrive to clear out dead and diseased cells and protect the kidneys from pathogens.
Unfortunately, feline AIM is unique in a way that makes it “profoundly more susceptible” to renal failure and chronic kidney disease as they age. In short, feline AIM gets bound to another molecule and can’t pass effectively through the kidneys into the urine. As a result, waste products continue to build up over the years, eventually rendering the kidneys nonfunctional in many senior cats.
However, Miyazaki’s clinical trials with an AIM injection have shown great promise, even helping cats with advanced kidney disease.
Kismet, the cat from Florida who had advanced kidney disease via Facebook/Coastal Karma Brewing
People Donated Millions to Help Develop the AIM Treatments
When the COVID pandemic hit, it stalled Miyazaki’s efforts. After sharing his story and publishing a book in Japan entitled, ‘The day a cat lives to be 30 years old,’ he received a wave of support to the tune of about $2 million or 300 million Yen.
How wonderful that so many donated to help cats everywhere live longer, healthier lives!
Maz via Facebook/Cole and Marmalade
And Miyazaki is now working full-time to develop the feline treatment after resigning from the University of Tokyo.
Jugg via Facebook/Cole and Marmalade
As Soon As 2025!
According to Yahoo!, if clinical trials continue to go well, the AIM vaccine could be commercially available by 2025. And wonderfully, Miyazaki wants to ensure it is affordable to all cat owners around the world. If so, we could simply go to the vet to discuss the possibility sometime next year.
Calypso via Facebook/Cole and Marmalade
Many times, what helps cats leads to helping humans, as we’ve seen so many times. If all goes well, Miyazaki reportedly has plans to one day treat kidney and liver disease in humans.
Video by Rohan Fonseca:
