Zoetis debuts US launch of Solensia to manage feline OA pain

Zoetis Inc has announced that Solensia (frunevetmab injection) is now available to veterinary clinics nationwide.

Photo courtesy of Zoetis.

According to a company release,¹ Solensia is administered as a monthly injection by a veterinarian and is proven to generally enhance cats’ mobility, comfort and well-being² by targeting a key driver in osteoarthritis (OA) pain, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).

“Solensia represents an important treatment option for veterinarians and pet owners and will transform the way feline OA pain is controlled,” expressed Laura Olsen, senior vice president, US Petcare, at Zoetis, in the release.¹

“For the first time ever in the U.S., we have the potential to reduce the impact of OA pain through a single, monthly injection administered in the veterinary clinic, limiting OA pain from disrupting the unique bond cats share with their humans. Zoetis looks forward to working with veterinarians to deliver this novel monoclonal antibody treatment.”

A widespread issue, approximately 40% of cats displays signs of OA pain.³ In clinical studies, OA was identified through x-rays in 60% of cats older than 6 years of age and 90% of cats older than 12 years old.^4-5 This condition is undertreated because of the lack of safe, FDA-approved, and efficacious treatments approved for long-term treatment. Plus, pet parents confront administration challenges with oral medicines for their cats.³

Though some cat parents may think the pain their cat suffers from is manageable and/or will be relieved on its own, untreated OA pain may cause physical and emotional suffering in cats, leading to a lower quality of life.⁶

“Cats are very skilled at hiding health issues and often times, pet owners do not recognize the signs and symptoms of pain in their cats,” stated Michelle Meyer, DVM, Serenity Animal Hospital, in the release.¹ “A recent survey found that more than half (55%) of cat owners were motivated to make an appointment with their veterinarian after learning about OA pain.³ This is why we’re thrilled to have Solensia as a new, therapeutic option that helps to control the OA pain in our cats.”

The US Food and Drug Administration approved Solensia on January 13, 2022 to control the pain of feline OA.

References

1. Zoetis announces U.S. commercial launch of Solensia™ (frunevetmab injection), first and only monoclonal antibody treatment to control osteoarthritis pain in cats approved in the U.S. News release. Zoetis. September 26, 2022. Accessed September 26, 2022. https://www.zoetisus.com/news-and-media/zoetis-announces-united-states-commercial-launch-of-solensia.aspx
2. Gruen ME, Myers JAE, Lascelles BDX. Efficacy and safety of an anti-nerve growth factor antibody (frunevetmab) for the treatment of degenerative joint disease-associated chronic pain in cats: a multisite pilot field study. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:610028. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.610028
3. Zoetis Market Research: KG MarketSense 2018.
4. Slingerland L, Hazewinkel H, Meif B, Picavet P, Voorhout G. Cross-sectional study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats. Vet J. 2011;187:304-309.
5. Hardie EM, Roe SC, Martin FR. Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994-1997). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002;220:628-632.
6. Lascelles BDX, Brown DC, Conzemius MG, Gill M, Oshinsky ML, Sharkey M. Measurement of chronic pain in companion animals: discussions from the Pain in Animals Workshop (PAW) 2017. Veterinary Journal. 2019;250(8):71-78.