BEDINVETMAB

(for veterinary information only)

BRAND NAME: LIBRELA

AVAILABLE AS
INJECTABLE VIALS:
5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg

BACKGROUND

Arthritis pain poses a quality of life issue for millions of dogs, especially senior large breed dogs. Mobility issues lead to muscle loss and a vicious cycle of reduced activity and progressive weakness develops. Often inability to rise and walk leads to euthanasia especially when a large dog cannot be attended through out the day to ease stiffness, pressure sores or even urine scald.

The problem is real and widespread.

A proliferation of canine-friendly supplements and medications has emerged. These relatively new medications have been helpful to millions of dogs since their development but they have issues with side effects, and associated monitoring tests. Frequently a combination of treatments is needed and secondary diseases mean that some dogs are barred from the benefits of some medications.

As the 21st century dawns, monoclonal antibody technology has arisen to address many diseases both human and animal. A monoclonal antibody is an antibody, just like the ones that everyone's body makes to address infection. It is made to bind and deactivate another protein. In nature, this would mean binding to the surface proteins of an infectious organism like a virus preventing it from binding to the host cell. In the laboratory, a monoclonal antibody is made to bind whatever protein we want depending on what disease we want to treat. For Bedinvetmab, the antibody binds Nerve Growth Factor.

Nerve Growth Factor is released by damaged tissue and binds to nerves creating chronic pain and making nerves more sensitive to pain. The bedinvetmab monoclonal antibody binds nerve growth factor rendering it harmless.

HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED

Bedinvetmab is given by injection once a month. Most dogs will show a positive response after a week from the time of their first injection but some dogs can take up to 56 days. The manufacturer recommends not judging effectiveness until 2 injections have been given.

SIDE EFFECTS

Bedinvetmab has been available in Europe since 2021 and literally millions of doses have been used. This has afforded a very broad picture of potential side effects beyond the original testing used to bring this medication to market.

Common Side Effects Generally not regarded as serious: An increase in the incidence of bladder infections compared to untreated dogs was seen during initial studies. A temporary increase in thirst is a potential side effect. This should resolve if bednivetmab is discontinued. The injection site may be tender for a few days after administration.

Potential Serious Side Effects: Bedinvetmab is a foreign protein and a patient potentially can react against it. This includes anaphylactic shock, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or immune mediated platelet destruction. These reactions are all life-threatening but occur in less than 1 in 10,000 patients.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS

At this time, bedinvetmab is best used alone without other long term arthritis medications other than supplements. This is because safety testing has not been completed for this scenario. If possible, transition the pet off other arthritis medications and go with Librela alone.

CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS

Bedinvetmab should not be used in breeding, nursing, or pregnant animals. This is because Nerve Growth Factor is important in neural development and we do not want to block its effects during growth. On that same note, bedinvetmab should not be given to dogs under age 1 year.

Bedinvetmab should not be used in patients with known neurologic diseases. Nerve Growth Factor may have an additional role in these patients separate from the arthritis/chronic pain link.

For more details, visit: Librela.com

To view the Product Insert:

www.zoetisus.com/content/pages/products/dogs/Librela/Resources/documents/Librela-prescribing-information.pdf

Short version (to help us
comply with "Lizzie's Law")

Page originally posted: 5/12/24