2024 veterinary news in review: #9

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The dvm360 editorial team is counting down our Top 20 news stories and articles of the year, from January 1, 2024, to November 15, 2024. Rank was determined by measurable audience interest and engagement.

A spotlight is shining on 1 article each day through New Year’s Eve, when the No. 1 dvm360 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 9 on this list:

Animal health company assure veterinarians that OA drugs are safe

written by Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA; Caitlin McCafferty, and Sydney Yankowicz, dvm360 editors

Originally published April 16, 2024

Zoetis is standing by its osteoarthritis (OA) therapies for dogs and cats in the wake of a published report questioning the safety of the company’s bedinvetmab injection (Librela) and frunevetmab injection (Solensia) products. In a Wall Street Journal article published on April 12, 2024, pet owners claimed their animals were sickened by these drugs rather than seeing the medications' intended improvement of the animals' conditions.¹

In one case, according to the news article, a 12-year-old dog was reportedly euthanized within 2 months after an initial dose of bedinvetmab for treatment of a stiff hip. The dog demonstrated a decrease in mobility and appetite, became lethargic and lost kidney function before dying. Similar cases with another dog and a 16-year-old cat that used either bedinvetmab or frunevetmab, respectively, were also documented.¹ Since publication, the report has received increased attention on social media platforms.

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In an interview with dvm360®, representatives of Zoetis acknowledged adverse effects have been reported in a small number of patients using these drugs. However, they noted that an “overwhelming majority” of patients using bedinvetmab injection and frunevetmab injection have benefitted from them. “There are rare adverse events, like any other medication,” said Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, global chief medical officer for Zoetis. “We are very confident in the safety and efficacy of Librela and Solensia. We are very confident with the fact that [Librela] is efficacious, that it's helping thousands of dogs worldwide. But [we are] also aware that a small percentage of cases, just like any other drug, have potential side effects.”

Bedinvetmab injection was approved by FDA officials in May 2023, becoming the first monoclonal antibody for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis pain. Bedinvetmab injection is only available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian to ensure the drug is given and monitored for safety and the treatment of any adverse effects.² These adverse effects include blood urea nitrogen, urinary tract infection, dermatitis, erythema, pain at the injection site, vomiting, weight loss, etc. The drug works by binding to and inhibiting the biological activity of canine nerve growth factor (NGF).²

For more on this story, including references, view the full article here: https://www.dvm360.com/view/animal-health-company-assures-veterinarians-that-oa-drugs-are-safe