Zoetis, a prominent pharmaceutical company specializing in veterinary medicines, reaffirms its commitment to its osteoarthritis (OA) therapies for dogs and cats in response to recent scrutiny over the safety of its products. Concerns were raised following a Wall Street Journal article published on April 12, 2024, wherein pet owners alleged adverse reactions to Zoetis’ bedinvetmab injection (Librela) and frunevetmab injection (Solensia) treatments, rather than observing the intended improvements in their animals’ conditions.
The article detailed distressing accounts, including the euthanasia of a 12-year-old dog within two months of receiving bedinvetmab for a stiff hip. The animal exhibited decreased mobility and appetite, lethargy, and renal complications before succumbing. Similar incidents involving bedinvetmab and frunevetmab were documented, amplifying concerns, particularly on social media platforms.
In response, Zoetis representatives acknowledged isolated adverse effects reported in a minority of patients using these medications. Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, Zoetis’ global chief medical officer, emphasized that while rare adverse events exist, the overwhelming majority of patients benefit from Librela and Solensia. He underscored the company’s confidence in the safety and efficacy of these drugs, reiterating that adverse reactions are inherent to any medication.
Bedinvetmab injection, approved by the FDA in May 2023 as the first monoclonal antibody for treating canine OA pain, requires a prescription from licensed veterinarians for proper administration and monitoring. Reported adverse effects include blood urea nitrogen elevation, urinary tract infections, dermatitis, injection site pain, among others. Frunevetmab injection, approved in January 2022 as the first monoclonal antibody for feline OA, presents similar side effects. However, initial reports were relatively mild and did not necessitate treatment discontinuation.
Duncan Lascelles, BSc, BVSc, PhD, FRCVS, CertVA, DSAS(ST), DECVS, DACVS, a professor and Zoetis partner, dismissed severe adverse reactions shared on social media as a small fraction of patient experiences, emphasizing the drugs’ overall value and contribution to veterinary medicine.
Veterinary specialists, such as Nicole Martell-Moran, DVM, MPH, DABVP (Feline Practice), echoed these sentiments, citing positive experiences with frunevetmab injections in their practices. Martell-Moran emphasized the challenge of attributing adverse events in senior cats with arthritis to medication, urging continued vigilance and reporting.
Goldstein stressed the importance of educating pet owners, acknowledging their need for answers when faced with unfortunate outcomes. He urged veterinarians to communicate the complexities of managing chronic conditions in aging pets, ensuring informed decision-making.
Despite the concerns, Zoetis remains confident in the safety of its products, citing clinical trials demonstrating pain relief and improved quality of life in treated animals. Goldstein reiterated Zoetis’ commitment to ongoing research and pharmacovigilance, encouraging veterinary professionals to report adverse effects for thorough investigation.
