Novel therapy for managing canine OA pain gains momentum in global markets

An antibody therapy for relieving pain associated with canine osteoarthritis (OA) is making advancements in international markets. The new izenivetmab injection (Lenivia; Zoetis) was recently approved by Health Canada and received a recommendation for marketing authorization from the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).^1,2

“Health Canada’s approval of Lenivia makes it the world’s first monoclonal antibody to alleviate OA pain in dogs for 3 months,” Rob Polzer, PhD, executive vice president and president, research and development at Zoetis, said in a news release.¹

In Canada, more than 2 years ago, Zoetis introduced its first monoclonal antibody targeting NGF for management of pain associated with OA in dogs: bedinvetmab injection (Librela). Izenivetmab injection binds to a different NGF site and alleviates pain for a longer period of time. The new therapy is administered subcutaneously once every 3 months, according to Zoetis.¹

Canine OA causes joint pain and is associated with the loss and dysfunction of cartilage. The condition poses a significant threat to the welfare of dogs. One survey of 200 veterinarians showed about 20% of all canines in North America older than 1 year in affected by OA.³

Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA, global chief medical officer and head of medical affairs at Zoetis, said that, with izenivetmab injection, the company is providing veterinarians in Canada with another tool that can help improve the quality of life for their patients. “We are pleased to introduce Lenivia as our first long-acting therapy that alleviates OA pain in dogs, leading to improved quality of life and mobility. It also provides added convenience for pet owners,” Goldstein said in the release.¹

In Europe, the CVMP’s positive opinion on izenivetmab injection is expected to be weighed in a decision on approval before then end of 2025. According to Zoetis, the company is anticipating a commercial release for izenivetmab injection in 2026.²

“Our scientists at Zoetis are committed to deeply understanding the unique species’ biology that drives the discovery and development that ultimately helps us meet our customers’ unmet medical needs,” Polzer said in a news release.² “The CVMP’s positive opinion for Lenivia represents another advancement in OA pain management for dogs.”

Like Canada, this novel therapy would also be Europe’s first long-acting monoclonal antibody for pain relief associated with canine, if it is approved. Bedinvetmab injection was introduced to the European market in 2021, after receiving marketing authorization the previous year.^2,4

A 9-month field study demonstrated the safety of izenivetmab injection while improving mobility and decreasing pain in dogs with OA.^1,2 The following adverse effects have been reported: balance problems, weakness or trouble standing, decreased appetite, and vomiting or diarrhea as well as drinking and urinating more often.¹

In its opinion, the EMA wrote that izenivetmab injection was evaluated in 2 exploratory dose determination studies and 1 placebo-controlled clinical trial. “In the pivotal clinical trial, administration of Lenivia at the proposed dosing interval (0.05 – 0.1 mg/kg) increased the owner-assessed treatment success and resulted in overall improvement of a veterinary categorical assessment in dogs with OA for 90 days, compared to dogs that were administered placebo,” the European agency wrote.⁵

References

1. Zoetis announces Health Canada approval of Lenivia (izenivetmab). News release. Zoetis. October 15, 2025. Accessed October 15, 2025. https://news.zoetis.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/Zoetis-Announces-Health-Canada-Approval-of-Lenivia-izenivetmab-injection-for-Alleviation-of-Osteoarthritis-OA-Pain-in-Dogs/default.aspx
2. Zoetis receives positive opinion from CVMP for Lenivia (izenivetmab) to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. News release. Zoetis. October 10, 2025. Accessed October 15, 2025. https://news.zoetis.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/Zoetis-Receives-Positive-Opinion-from-CVMP-for-Lenivia-izenivetmab-to-Reduce-Pain-Associated-with-Osteoarthritis-OA-in-Dogs/default.aspx
3. Anderson KL, Zulch H, O’Neill DG, Meeson RL, Collins LM. Risk factors for canine osteoarthritis and its predisposing arthropathies: a systemic review. Front Vet Sci. 2020;7:220. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00220
4. Coppock K. FDA approves first monoclonal antibody for managing OA pain in dogs. dvm360. May 5, 2023. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-approves-first-monoclonal-antibody-for-managing-oa-pain-in-dogs
5. Summary of opinion: Lenivia. European Medicines Agency Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products. October 10, 2025. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/smop-initial/cvmp-summary-positive-opinion-lenivia_en.pdf