New JAVMA Article: What Veterinarians Should Know About Emerging Safety Concerns with Librela®

I am excited to share a newly published article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) of which I was a co-author. It was a privilege to work with an outstanding team of collaborators on this important review.

Our paper looks at the growing body of information surrounding bedinvetmab (Librela®) and discusses why continued monitoring and reporting of potential adverse events are so important.

Why was this article written?

Librela has helped many dogs with osteoarthritis pain. Many dogs become more comfortable and active after treatment.

At the same time, veterinarians around the world have reported a small number of dogs developing serious musculoskeletal problems after receiving the medication. These reports have raised important questions that deserve careful scientific investigation. Our article reviews the current evidence and explains why more research is needed.

What does the article discuss?

The review summarizes several important topics, including:

• The biology of nerve growth factor (NGF) and why blocking it can reduce pain.
• Lessons learned from similar anti-NGF drugs that were developed for people.
• Reports of rapidly progressive osteoarthritis (RPOA) and other musculoskeletal problems in some dogs receiving Librela.
• Recent safety updates from veterinary regulatory agencies around the world.
• Why careful patient selection, monitoring, and adverse event reporting are critical.

Does this mean Librela is unsafe?

Not necessarily.

Many dogs have received Librela and appear to benefit from treatment. However, no medication is completely without risk. As more dogs receive any new medication, uncommon side effects sometimes become apparent only after widespread clinical use.

The goal of our paper is not to tell veterinarians to stop using the drug. Instead, it encourages clinicians to remain vigilant, recognize potential warning signs early, and report suspected adverse events so that the veterinary community can better understand both the benefits and the risks.

Why reporting matters

Every adverse event report helps improve our understanding of medication safety.

Reporting allows regulatory agencies, researchers, and veterinarians to identify patterns that may not be obvious when looking at individual cases. Better reporting ultimately leads to better recommendations and safer care for our patients.

What about cats?

We have similar concerns about cats receiving frunevetmab (Solensia) and discuss that in the article as well.

Looking ahead

Medicine is always evolving. As new information becomes available, our recommendations should evolve as well.

I am grateful to have been part of this collaborative effort. Open scientific discussion, careful research, and thoughtful pharmacovigilance are all essential to improving patient care.

If you are a veterinarian using Librela and or Solensia, I encourage you to stay informed, monitor your patients carefully, and report any suspected adverse events.

Read the full article here:

Bedinvetmab (Librela/Beransa) in dogs raises safety concerns including rapidly progressive osteoarthritis and warrants vigilant adverse event reporting (JAVMA)