New three-month injection could change long-term pain management for dogs with osteoarthritis
PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY: Zoetis is expanding its dog osteoarthritis portfolio with the commercial launch of Lenivia (izenivetmab) in Canada and the European Union.
Lenivia is a long-acting antibody treatment developed to reduce pain linked to osteoarthritis in dogs. Its biggest difference is the duration of treatment: one injection can provide pain relief for up to three months.
One injection for up to three months of dog arthritis pain relief
Dog osteoarthritis is a long-term joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, reduced movement and changes in behaviour.
Many dogs require continuous pain management. This can mean regular tablets, repeated treatments or frequent veterinary visits.
Lenivia has been developed as a once-every-three-month treatment administered by a veterinarian. It contains izenivetmab, an antibody designed specifically for dogs.
For veterinarians and pet owners, the longer treatment interval could make ongoing osteoarthritis pain management easier.
How does Lenivia work?
Lenivia targets nerve growth factor, or NGF.
NGF plays an important role in pain. By binding to NGF, izenivetmab reduces the pain signals linked to osteoarthritis.
The European Medicines Agency describes izenivetmab as a canine antibody targeting nerve growth factor and classifies Lenivia as a veterinary pain medicine.
In simple terms, Lenivia is designed to control the pain linked to arthritis. It is not described as a cure for damaged joints.
Zoetis says effects were seen after one injection
Zoetis says Lenivia is backed by more than 10 years of science and research.
The company reported that dogs receiving Lenivia in a nine-month European field study showed increased mobility and reduced pain after one injection. Earlier company information also reported treatment effects from Day 7.
The European Commission granted marketing authorisation for Lenivia in November 2025, while Health Canada approved the medicine in October 2025. Commercial launches were planned for 2026.
Nearly 40% of dogs may be affected by osteoarthritis pain
The potential market for new dog arthritis treatments is large. Zoetis cites research suggesting that nearly 40% of dogs of any age or size may be affected by osteoarthritis pain. Chronic pain can affect a dog’s movement, sleep, behaviour and interaction with people and other animals.
Osteoarthritis is also easy to miss in its early stages. A dog may simply become slower on walks, hesitate before climbing stairs, struggle to stand after resting or stop jumping onto furniture. These changes are sometimes dismissed as normal ageing.
