Librela (Bedinvetmab) Solution for Injection for Dogs
Librela is the first and only once-monthly injectable monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy approved for the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. Developed by Zoetis, this innovative treatment targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a key mediator of chronic joint pain, offering a new era in canine pain management that works differently from traditional NSAIDs.
Key Features
- Once-monthly subcutaneous injection – convenient long-lasting pain control
- Monoclonal antibody technology – specifically binds and neutralizes NGF to reduce pain signaling
- Minimal involvement of liver or kidneys – metabolized and eliminated like naturally occurring antibodies
- Available in multiple strengths (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg) for accurate weight-based dosing
- Single-use vials – sterile, preservative-free solution
- Prescription-only veterinary medicine administered by a licensed veterinarian
How Librela Works
In dogs with osteoarthritis, elevated levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) amplify pain signals from damaged joints to the brain. Bedinvetmab, the active canine monoclonal antibody in Librela, binds to NGF and blocks its interaction with pain receptors. This targeted biological approach reduces the sensation of chronic OA pain, helping dogs regain mobility, increase activity levels, and improve overall quality of life.
Unlike NSAIDs that broadly suppress inflammation and can stress the gastrointestinal tract, liver, or kidneys, Librela’s mechanism is highly specific and does not rely on those pathways.
Indications
For the control (alleviation) of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
Dosage & Administration
The recommended minimum dose is 0.5 mg/kg body weight (0.23 mg/lb), administered subcutaneously once every month.
Dosing guide (approximate):
| Dog Body Weight |
Recommended Vial Strength |
| 5–10 kg (11–22 lb) |
1 × 5 mg/mL vial (orange) |
| 10.1–20 kg |
1 × 10 mg/mL vial (blue) |
| 20.1–30 kg |
1 × 15 mg/mL vial (green) |
| 30.1–40 kg |
1 × 20 mg/mL vial (gold) |
| 40.1–60 kg |
1 × 30 mg/mL vial (purple) |
| Larger dogs |
Combination of vials as directed by veterinarian |
For dogs under 5 kg, a partial dose is drawn from a 5 mg/mL vial. The full content of each vial is for single use only. Once punctured, use immediately and discard any remaining solution.
Composition
Active ingredient: Bedinvetmab (canine monoclonal antibody) 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg or 30 mg per 1 mL vial.
Excipients: L-histidine, histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, trehalose dihydrate, disodium edetate (EDTA), L-methionine, poloxamer 188, water for injections.
Clear to slightly opalescent sterile solution, pH 5.0.
Benefits
- Long-lasting monthly control of OA pain
- Improved mobility and activity in clinical studies
- Well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile when used as directed
- Can be used as part of a multimodal pain management plan
- No known interactions requiring dose adjustment with most common concurrent medications (always consult your vet)
Storage
Store and transport refrigerated at 2–8 °C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Important Safety Information
For use in dogs only. Do not use in dogs under 12 months of age, breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs, or dogs with known hypersensitivity to bedinvetmab. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should take extreme care to avoid self-injection. The most commonly reported adverse events in clinical studies included urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections and dermatitis. Post-approval reports have included ataxia, anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and other rare events. Always discuss potential risks and the Client Information Sheet with your veterinarian before each injection.
Librela is a prescription-only medicine (POM-V / Rx). It must be prescribed and administered by a licensed veterinarian. This product description is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice.