AHN Highlights
- Type: Monoclonal antibody (anti-NGF)
- Indication: Pain relief for canine osteoarthritis
- Dosing: Single subcutaneous injection every three months
- Trial results: Improved mobility and reduced OA pain over nine months
- Safety notes: Mild gastrointestinal and neurologic side effects; not for use in young, breeding, or pregnant dogs
- Status: Approved by Health Canada; positive EMA opinion; EU launch expected in 2026
Zoetis has announced regulatory progress on Lenivia® (izenivetmab), a new monoclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) pain in dogs. Health Canada has approved the drug, and the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a positive opinion recommending approval in the European Union.
If authorized by the European Commission later this year, Lenivia will become the first monoclonal antibody designed to reduce canine OA pain for up to three months from a single injection. Zoetis expects to make the product commercially available across the EU and Canada in 2026.
Lenivia targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a key driver of OA-related pain and inflammation. In a nine-month field study, dogs treated with Lenivia showed improved mobility and reduced pain after a single injection, with a safety profile consistent with other antibody therapies in Zoetis’ OA portfolio.
“Health Canada’s approval and the EMA’s positive opinion for Lenivia represent another advancement in OA pain management for dogs,” said Rob Polzer, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and President, Research and Development at Zoetis. “Our scientists’ deep understanding of species biology continues to drive new discoveries that address unmet medical needs in veterinary care.”
Osteoarthritis affects nearly 40% of dogs, regardless of age or breed. The disease causes progressive joint degeneration and chronic pain that can limit movement, disrupt sleep, and affect behavior. While it cannot be cured, long-acting therapies like Lenivia aim to reduce pain and improve quality of life, especially for dogs that are difficult to medicate frequently.
Lenivia builds on Zoetis’ Librela® (bedinvetmab), a monthly monoclonal antibody therapy also targeting NGF. Both treatments use antibody-based approaches to block pain signals, but Lenivia binds to a different site on NGF, extending its duration of effect to three months.
“Lenivia will be our first long-acting therapy for OA pain in dogs,” said Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Medical Affairs at Zoetis. “It offers a new level of convenience for pet owners and another tool for veterinarians to manage chronic pain more effectively.”
Reported side effects in trials included mild balance issues, weakness, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased drinking and urination. Lenivia is not recommended for dogs under 12 months old or for breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Information and quotes from company press release.
