VMD confirms Librela is safe for use
VMD says it is difficult to establish the cause of some adverse events.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has confirmed that the pain relief injection Librela is safe for use in dogs.
An ‘in-depth’ assessment has concluded, with the regulator deciding that the benefits of the arthritis injection outweigh its risks.
Librela is an injectable medication, indicated for the use of alleviating pain associated with osteoarthritis. Its active substance is bedinvetmab.
The VMD’s assessment was launched as a result of concerns from both dog owners and veterinary professionals on the medicine’s safety. In the past year, various reports and studies have warned of serious adverse events.
Gavin Hall, director of authorisations and deputy chief executive officer at VMD, said: “The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is aware of concerns raised by some dog owners and veterinary professionals about Librela, a treatment for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
“Based on all available evidence and our in-depth analysis, we are satisfied that the overall benefits of Librela continue to outweigh the risks for the vast majority of dogs treated with this medicine. All medicines carry a risk of potential adverse events, and monoclonal antibody products are no exception.”
The reports of adverse events had prompted action from the VMD, which says it is independently evaluating reports, assessing new data and reviewing safety studies.
In January 2026, the regulator added the event terms immune-mediated polyarthritis, paresis and paralysis to the Librela product information. It says it is continuing to update adverse event information as it reviews new reports.
The VMD’s assessment has covered death, human exposure and arthritis – specifically in regards to its rapid progression. It also undertakes reports on lack of efficiency, recumbency, muscle weakness, lameness and tremor.
According to the VMD, adverse events only occur in 1 to 10 animals per 1,000 animals treated. Similarly, reports of death following Librela use were rare, occurring in 1 to 10 animals per 10,000 animals treated.
The VMD notes that, since Librela is primarily used in older dogs, their multiple health conditions and medications makes it difficult to establish the cause of adverse events.
Mr Hall added: “The VMD’s role is to protect animal health and welfare. We will continue to monitor Librela closely and will take action if the evidence shows the risks of the product outweigh the benefits.”
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Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
