Zoetis Launches Lenivia® in Europe and Canada to Provide Long-Acting Osteoarthritis Pain Relief for Dogs
Zoetis Inc., a global leader in animal health, has announced the commercial launch of Lenivia® (izenivetmab injection) across Canada and European Union member states. The new therapy is a long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAb) developed to manage pain associated with canine osteoarthritis (OA), offering up to three months of pain relief with a single subcutaneous injection.
The launch represents an important addition to Zoetis‘ expanding portfolio of osteoarthritis treatments for dogs and reflects the company’s continued investment in innovative biologic therapies designed to improve the quality of life for companion animals. Supported by more than a decade of scientific research and development, Lenivia is designed to provide veterinarians and pet owners with a longer-lasting option for managing one of the most common chronic conditions affecting aging dogs.
Clinical data from a pivotal nine-month European field study demonstrated that dogs receiving Lenivia experienced sustained reductions in osteoarthritis pain, with measurable improvements beginning as early as seven days after the initial injection. By targeting nerve growth factor (NGF)—a key mediator of pain and inflammation—the therapy introduces a novel approach to long-term pain control while offering an extended dosing interval that may improve treatment adherence and convenience.
Osteoarthritis Remains a Common Challenge in Dogs
Osteoarthritis is among the most frequently diagnosed chronic orthopedic diseases in companion animals, particularly in older dogs. The progressive condition develops as joint cartilage deteriorates over time, leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Studies suggest that up to 40% of dogs may show radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis, making it one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders seen in veterinary medicine.
Although osteoarthritis cannot currently be cured, early diagnosis and effective long-term management can help reduce pain, preserve mobility, and maintain a dog’s quality of life for as long as possible.
Without appropriate treatment, chronic joint pain can gradually affect many aspects of a dog’s daily activities and overall well-being.
Impact Beyond Physical Mobility
While osteoarthritis is often recognized for causing lameness or difficulty walking, its effects extend well beyond mobility alone.
Chronic pain associated with OA can influence:
- Daily activity levels
- Ability to climb stairs or jump
- Sleep quality
- Appetite
- Mood and behavior
- Interaction with family members
- Willingness to exercise
- Overall quality of life
Many pet owners first notice subtle behavioral changes before obvious mobility problems become apparent. Dogs experiencing persistent joint pain may become less playful, avoid physical activity, hesitate before standing, or withdraw from normal social interactions.
As the disease progresses, these changes may become increasingly pronounced, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and effective long-term pain management.
Growing Need for Long-Term Treatment
Advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition, preventive healthcare, and disease management have enabled dogs and cats to live longer than ever before.
As life expectancy increases, veterinarians are seeing a growing number of senior companion animals affected by age-related conditions, including osteoarthritis.
Because OA is chronic and progressive, affected dogs often require ongoing treatment for months or even years.
Maintaining consistent pain control throughout the course of the disease remains one of the primary goals of veterinary care.
However, frequent medication schedules may create challenges for both veterinary practices and pet owners, particularly when long-term adherence becomes difficult.
A Long-Acting Therapeutic Option
Lenivia has been developed specifically to address the need for extended-duration pain management.
Unlike therapies requiring daily administration or relatively frequent dosing, Lenivia is designed to provide up to three months of pain control following a single subcutaneous injection.
The extended dosing interval offers several potential advantages.
For veterinarians, fewer treatment visits may reduce scheduling demands while allowing clinics to allocate time and resources more efficiently.
For pet owners, less frequent dosing may improve convenience and encourage better adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
Consistent long-term management is particularly important for chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, where interruptions in therapy may allow pain to recur and negatively affect mobility and quality of life.
How Lenivia Works
Lenivia is a monoclonal antibody therapy that specifically targets nerve growth factor (NGF).
NGF is recognized as a major biological mediator involved in transmitting pain signals and promoting inflammation within affected joints.
When osteoarthritis develops, NGF levels increase, contributing to ongoing pain perception.
By binding to NGF, Lenivia helps interrupt this signaling pathway, reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis.
According to Zoetis, Lenivia binds to a different site on the NGF molecule than previously commercialized anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies.
Although the therapy shares the same overall biological target, this distinct binding approach reflects the company’s continued research into optimizing biologic pain management strategies.
Clinical Evidence Supports Sustained Pain Reduction
The commercial launch is supported by extensive research conducted over approximately ten years.
A pivotal nine-month European field study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of Lenivia in dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
The clinical trial demonstrated sustained reductions in OA-associated pain throughout treatment.
Investigators also observed evidence of clinical benefit beginning as early as Day 7 after the first injection, indicating relatively rapid onset of therapeutic activity.
These findings suggest that dogs may experience meaningful improvements in comfort and mobility shortly after treatment while maintaining pain control over an extended period.
The study provides important evidence supporting Lenivia’s intended role as a long-acting therapeutic option for chronic disease management.
Supporting Veterinary Professionals
Zoetis believes that longer-lasting therapies can benefit veterinary practices in addition to improving patient care.
Because osteoarthritis requires continuous monitoring and long-term treatment planning, reducing the frequency of medication administration may simplify disease management.
Longer dosing intervals can potentially:
- Improve treatment compliance
- Reduce repeated medication administration
- Simplify long-term care plans
- Increase convenience for pet owners
- Support more consistent pain management
- Allow veterinary teams to focus on broader patient care
Rather than replacing comprehensive osteoarthritis management, Lenivia is intended to become one component of an individualized treatment strategy that may also include weight management, exercise modification, rehabilitation, nutritional support, and other therapies when appropriate.
Company Perspective
Jamie Brannan, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Zoetis, emphasized the significant impact osteoarthritis has on companion animals and their owners.
He noted that millions of dogs across Europe and Canada live with chronic joint pain that affects mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.
According to Brannan, watching a beloved companion struggle with these limitations is deeply emotional for many families.
He explained that Zoetis’ continued investment in long-acting monoclonal antibody therapies reflects the company’s commitment to developing science-based solutions that help veterinarians and pet owners better manage chronic pain.
Brannan also highlighted the practical advantages of extended-duration treatment, noting that longer dosing intervals may improve owner convenience, increase treatment adherence, and help veterinary practices manage growing patient demand more efficiently.
The company expects to work closely with veterinary professionals as Lenivia becomes more widely available across Europe and Canada.
Building on an Established Osteoarthritis Portfolio
Lenivia expands Zoetis’ well-established canine osteoarthritis treatment portfolio.
The company’s existing OA products include:
- Rimadyl® (carprofen)
- Trocoxil® (mavacoxib)
- Librela® (bedinvetmab)
These therapies represent different approaches to managing chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Zoetis has a long history of innovation in this therapeutic area.
In Europe, the company introduced:
- Rimadyl in 1997
- Trocoxil in 2009
- Librela in 2021
The addition of Lenivia further broadens the range of treatment options available to veterinarians caring for dogs with chronic joint disease.
Continued Investment in Animal Health Innovation
The launch of Lenivia reflects Zoetis’ broader strategy of advancing animal healthcare through continued scientific innovation.
The company’s research pipeline includes programs focused on:
- Lifecycle innovation
- Geographic expansion
- Novel biologic therapies
- Companion animal medicine
- Livestock health
- Preventive healthcare
Monoclonal antibody therapies have become an increasingly important area of veterinary medicine because they offer highly targeted biological approaches with the potential for prolonged therapeutic activity.
As research continues, these therapies may provide veterinarians with additional options for managing chronic diseases that require long-term treatment.
Improving Quality of Life for Aging Dogs
Because osteoarthritis progresses gradually, maintaining long-term pain control remains one of the most important objectives in caring for aging companion animals.
Effective pain management can help dogs remain active, maintain stronger social interactions, preserve mobility, and continue participating in daily activities with their families.
For many owners, successful treatment is measured not only by improvements in walking but also by a return to behaviors that reflect greater comfort and well-being.
The availability of longer-lasting therapies such as Lenivia may help support these goals while reducing the practical burden associated with frequent medication administration.
The launch of Lenivia in Canada and European Union member states represents another significant milestone in Zoetis’ ongoing efforts to advance companion animal healthcare through innovative biologic therapies. Backed by extensive clinical research, the long-acting monoclonal antibody offers veterinarians and pet owners a new option for managing canine osteoarthritis with sustained pain relief lasting up to three months following a single injection.
As the population of aging companion animals continues to grow, the demand for safe, effective, and convenient long-term therapies is expected to increase. By expanding its osteoarthritis portfolio with Lenivia, Zoetis aims to provide veterinary professionals with additional tools to develop individualized treatment plans that improve mobility, reduce chronic pain, and enhance the quality of life for millions of dogs living with osteoarthritis.
About Lenivia
Lenivia (izenivetmab) is a monoclonal antibody therapy for the management of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Lenivia binds to NGF to reduce its effects. Lenivia is administered as a subcutaneous injection once every three months. Lenivia should not be used in dogs with known hypersensitivity to izenivetmab, or breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs, or dogs less than 12 months of age. Based on clinical trial studies conducted for global development and the assessment of the different regulatory agencies, the most common side effect reported in the EU product label information is immediate pain upon injection (common: 1–10 dogs per 100 treated).
Uncommon side effects (1–10 dogs per 1,000 treated) included ataxia, polydipsia and polyuria. In Canada, the Client Information Sheet (CIS) reports the following clinical signs as possible side effects in dogs receiving Lenivia: balance problems, weakness or trouble standing, decreased appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, drinking more and urinating more.
For full clinical and safety information, including indications, contraindications, special warnings and full list of adverse events, please refer to the product labeling in your jurisdiction. Lenivia should be used under the guidance of a veterinary professional. Click here for the EU Summary of Product Characteristics. For the Canadian Product Information, please refer to the Compendium of Veterinary Products.
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the world’s leading animal health company, driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. With a legacy of nearly 75 years, Zoetis continues to pioneer ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness, supporting veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners in over 100 countries.
We integrate deep scientific expertise, data-driven R&D, advanced manufacturing, robust post marketing surveillance (PV), and commercial excellence to deliver meaningful innovation across medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, biopharmaceuticals, and digital solutions. Guided by our vision to be the most trusted and valued animal health company, Zoetis is committed to setting new standards for the future of animal care through innovation, customer obsession, and purpose-driven colleagues. To learn more, visit Zoetis.com.