Zoetis Receives European Commission Approval for Lenivia, a Long‑Acting Osteoarthritis Pain Therapy for Dogs

ZTS
November 27, 2025

Zoetis announced that the European Commission granted marketing authorization for Lenivia (izenivetmab) on November 26, 2025. Lenivia is a monoclonal antibody that targets nerve growth factor (NGF) through a distinct binding site, providing up to three months of pain relief with a single injection for dogs with osteoarthritis.

Lenivia’s mechanism of action differentiates it from Zoetis’s existing Librela product. While both therapies bind NGF, Lenivia’s unique epitope confers a longer duration of action, giving pet owners a more convenient treatment schedule. The approval expands Zoetis’s osteoarthritis portfolio and positions the company to capture a larger share of the growing companion‑animal market.

The approval follows a nine‑month field study that demonstrated significant improvements in mobility and reductions in pain, with a safety profile consistent with other NGF‑targeting antibodies. Health Canada had already approved Lenivia on October 15, and the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products issued a positive opinion in October.

Zoetis’s Q3 2025 results provide context for the approval’s impact. Revenue reached $2.4 billion, a 1% increase from Q3 2024, driven by strong performance in the International segment ($1.1 billion) and a modest decline in the U.S. segment ($1.3 billion). Adjusted net income rose to $754 million, up 8% on an organic basis. Earnings per share of $1.70 beat consensus estimates of $1.62, a $0.08 or 5% beat, largely due to disciplined cost management and a favorable product mix.

Management highlighted the strategic importance of Lenivia. Executive Vice President and President of Research and Development, Rob Polzer, said the approval “marks another important step forward in managing osteoarthritis pain in dogs.” Chief Medical Officer Richard Goldstein added that Lenivia “provides added convenience for pet owners who want to bring their dogs in for an injection just once every three months.”

The approval comes at a time when the pet‑health market is expanding. Zoetis projects the EU osteoarthritis treatment market to reach $4.2 billion by 2033, and the broader pet‑health market is expected to grow to $2–$3 billion by 2028. Lenivia’s long‑acting profile positions Zoetis to capture a larger share of this growth, reinforcing its strategy to deliver innovative, long‑acting therapies for chronic conditions.

Investors have responded cautiously, citing the company’s recent earnings miss on revenue and narrowed growth forecasts. Despite the regulatory milestone, the market reaction was muted, reflecting broader macro‑economic concerns and competitive pressures in the companion‑animal segment.

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