Japanese researchers are testing an experimental injection that could help extend the healthy lifespan of cats by targeting one of the biggest threats to aging felines, chronic kidney disease.
The treatment focuses on a protein called Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage, or AIM, which plays a role in helping the body remove waste from damaged cells.
Professor Toru Miyazaki, a researcher who discovered AIM, has spent years studying how the protein affects kidney health in cats. His team found that cats have difficulty activating AIM compared with other animals, a factor that may contribute to their high risk of kidney disease.
The research aims to restore AIM activity through a recombinant AIM treatment that could help slow kidney deterioration and support healthier aging.
Clinical testing for AIM cat medicine began in Japan in 2025 across 26 veterinary hospitals, according to the Institute for AIM Medicine.
A 2026 study published in The Veterinary Journal examined the effects of recombinant AIM treatment on cats with advanced chronic kidney disease. Researchers reported improved survival outcomes and reduced worsening of kidney-related indicators among treated cats. The study was described as an exploratory clinical study, meaning further research is still needed before the treatment can be considered a standard veterinary medicine.
The development gained global attention after researchers discussed the possibility that improving kidney health could significantly extend feline lifespan. Earlier University of Tokyo materials cited the possibility of increasing life expectancy from around 15 years to 30 years if kidney decline could be delayed.
The treatment is still undergoing evaluation and is not yet widely available to cat owners. Researchers continue to study its safety, effectiveness, and potential role in preventing or managing kidney disease in cats.
