New commentary examines evidence of the safety of bedinvetmab (Beransa®) for osteoarthritis pain in dogs

Zoetis is committed to ongoing scientific rigour and transparency to support the veterinary community’s understanding of OA pain, the role of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in driving OA pain, and the safe and effective use of Beransa.  

Following a detailed review of the Farrell et al2 study, the commentary1 offers an expert perspective on the methodology and findings presented, which include: 

• A recommendation to veterinarians to consider key elements of the case-control series described in the Farrell et al study2 to ensure the data is adequately contextualised – including the study’s non‑blinded design, potential selection bias of the 19 cases, an absence of controls for baseline OA severity or comorbidities, significant variability in pathology types, and incomplete NSAID histories. 

• An explanation that a disproportionality analysis is a robust methodology used in studies for signal detection in large databases to identify adverse events with higher-than-expected reporting frequency. The “descriptive disproportionality analysis” approach described in the Farrell et al study2 does not align with these established methods. Moreover, these authors experienced significant dataset limitations, with full and complete adverse event reporting information unavailable to them due to data protection laws and regulatory agencies’ limited access policies. This, combined with a change in reporting requirements within the period studied, meant that the extracted data alone was unable to provide a truly representative comparison or analysis between products, or to draw conclusions of any causal relationships. 

• An acknowledgement from Zoetis of the possibility of adverse events related to Beransa and a welcoming of ongoing research into this area, while recognising that further investigation beyond that presented in the Farrell et al2 study is needed in order to establish a causal association in dogs between any OA treatment and accelerated joint destruction, or other adverse events. 

The commentary was authored by Anthony Simon (Director of Scientific Affairs and Pharmacovigilance, Zoetis Veterinary Medicines Research and Development), Beatriz Monteiro (Director of Veterinary Operations at Zoetis International Centre of Excellence), Oliver Knesl (Medical Director & Lead, Zoetis Global Commercial Development) and Adam Werts (Zoetis Senior Principal Scientist).  

Zoetis encourages veterinary teams to read the commentary to support their own evidence-based decision making when considering OA pain treatment options. 

Dr Mark Kelman, Companion Animal Veterinary Operations Manager at Zoetis Australia, emphasised the importance of reviewing scientific data with appropriate rigour and context. 

“At Zoetis, we welcome open scientific dialogue and believe that evidence should always be interpreted within a robust scientific framework. Careful evaluation of the quality of data, statistical methods, and claims in any publication is essential to advancing animal health and wellbeing. The recent commentary by Simon et al highlights how comprehensive, large-scale pharmacovigilance helps ensure an accurate understanding of a product’s safety profile,” said Dr Kelman.  

According to Dr Leon Warne*, a Specialist in Veterinary Analgesia and Pain Management, collaboration with the veterinary industry should be the focus to support appropriately addressing OA pain management in dogs.  

“As an industry, we should continue to support balanced knowledge sharing. It is critically important though, that our clinical approach to the diagnosis and management of OA pain is derived from a strong foundation of evidence-based medicine. This will ensure greater clinical outcomes and improvement in the quality of life of the patients we all care so much about. I would encourage veterinarians to read this commentary so they can draw their own conclusions.” said Dr Warne.  

Zoetis remains focused on partnering with veterinarians to help pets live a better, pain-free life, and feel that the publication of the commentary should address questions that have circulated around Beransa safety. Veterinary teams who still have questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Zoetis for additional support on 1800 814 883.  

*Dr Leon Warne is currently contracted by Zoetis Australia as an Anaesthesia & Pain Management Specialist and consultant. 

References:  

1. Simon A., et al. Commentary: Musculoskeletal adverse events in dogs receiving bedinvetman (Librela). Front. Vet. Sci. Sec, Anesthesiology and Animal Pain Management DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1663398 

2. Farrell M., et al. Musculoskeletal adverse events in dogs receiving bedinvetmab (Librela). Front. Vet. Sci. Sec. Anesthesiology and Animal Pain Management DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1581490  

About Zoetis 

As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock producers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $9.3 billion in 2024 with approximately 13,800 employees. 

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