Zoetis Receives Health Canada Approval for Lenivia® to Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain in Dogs
Zoetis Inc. today announced that Health Canada has approved Lenivia® (izenivetmab injection) for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. Lenivia, a novel monoclonal antibody therapy, represents a major advance in veterinary pain management, offering effective OA pain relief for three months with a single injection. Its mechanism of action involves targeting nerve growth factor (NGF), a key mediator of pain and inflammation.
Developed through over a decade of research, Lenivia’s safety and efficacy were demonstrated in a nine-month field study. Dogs receiving a single injection of Lenivia experienced improved mobility and reduced pain, supporting its role as a long-acting therapeutic option for chronic OA management.
The Significance of Osteoarthritis Pain in Dogs
Osteoarthritis is a common, progressive joint disease in dogs, characterized by joint inflammation, cartilage breakdown, and chronic pain. While the disease cannot be cured, alleviating pain is crucial for maintaining mobility, quality of life, and overall well-being. Chronic OA pain can negatively affect a dog’s movement, sleep, behavior, and social interactions. Studies suggest that nearly 40% of dogs, regardless of age or size, may experience OA-related pain, highlighting the need for effective long-term management options.
Dr. Rob Polzer, Executive Vice President and President of Research and Development at Zoetis, noted the significance of this approval. “As a leader in animal health innovation and the pioneer of veterinary monoclonal antibodies, our scientists are committed to understanding species-specific biology to develop solutions that address unmet medical needs,” said Polzer. “Health Canada’s approval of Lenivia makes it the world’s first monoclonal antibody to alleviate OA pain in dogs for three months.”
Advancing Veterinary Innovation
Lenivia builds on Zoetis’ commitment to improving care for animals through scientific innovation, lifecycle development, and global expansion. It complements Librela® (bedinvetmab injection), another NGF-targeted monoclonal antibody in Zoetis’ OA pain portfolio. While both therapies target NGF, Lenivia binds to a different site on the protein, allowing for longer-lasting pain relief with a single quarterly injection.
Dr. Richard Goldstein, Global Chief Medical Officer at Zoetis, emphasized the benefits for both pets and their owners: “We are pleased to introduce Lenivia as our first long-acting therapy that alleviates OA pain in dogs, enhancing quality of life and mobility. It also provides added convenience for pet owners, who only need to bring their dogs in once every three months. Following the introduction of the first monoclonal antibody therapy for canine OA in Canada over two years ago, Lenivia adds another innovative tool for veterinarians to improve animal care.”
A New Era in Canine OA Management
Lenivia’s approval reflects Zoetis’ broader mission to redefine veterinary medicine through cutting-edge therapies. By targeting NGF and leveraging monoclonal antibody technology, Lenivia addresses a previously unmet need for long-term, effective, and convenient pain relief in dogs with OA.
With its demonstrated safety, long-lasting efficacy, and patient-centric design, Lenivia represents a major step forward in veterinary orthopedics and pain management. Veterinarians now have access to an additional tool to improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance the overall well-being of dogs affected by chronic osteoarthritis.
As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation, Zoetis continues to expand its portfolio of therapies and explore new mechanisms of action, reinforcing its position as a leader in veterinary monoclonal antibodies and animal health solutions worldwide.
- First monoclonal antibody approved in Canada for three-month OA pain relief in dogs
- Demonstrated safety and efficacy in a nine-month field study
- Targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a key mediator of pain and inflammation
- Provides convenient dosing with a single injection every three months
- Complements Zoetis’ existing OA pain portfolio, including Librela®
