Benzinga | Jan 14, 2022 06:03AM EST

FDA Approves Zoetis' Solensia To Control Osteoarthritis Pain In Cats

The FDA has approved Zoetis Inc's (NYSE:ZTS) Solensia (frunevetmab injection) to control the pain of osteoarthritis (OA) in cats, helping improve their mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.

* Solensia, prescribed as a once-monthly injection administered in the veterinary clinic, controls OA pain by targeting Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a key driver in OA pain.

* The drug is the first and only injectable monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment for feline OA pain approved in the U.S.

* After a single treatment, Solensia noticeably reduced OA pain. 77% of cat owners experienced seeing improvement in signs of pain after monthly treatment with Solensia in a 3-month study.

* Also See: Zoetis Raises FY22 Dividend By 30%, Announces New Buyback Program Of $3.5B.

* In comparison, 67% of cat owners experienced an improvement in their cat's pain signs in the placebo group.

* Solensia was found to be well-tolerated: the most common side effects were vomiting and injection site pain.

* Solensia is expected to be available to veterinarians in 2H of 2022. It is approved in the European Union and has been available to veterinarians since May 2021.

* Price Action: ZTS shares closed lower by 2.73% at $207.00 on Thursday.