Zoetis Inc. received Health Canada approval for its monoclonal antibody therapy Portela (relfovetmab injection) to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats. The approval, granted on December 5 2025, authorizes a single subcutaneous injection that can provide up to three months of pain relief by targeting nerve growth factor.
The approval comes at a time when Zoetis is navigating a mixed financial landscape. In Q3 2025 the company reported revenue of $2.4 billion, a 1% year‑over‑year increase, and adjusted net income of $754 million, up 9% on an organic basis. However, sales of its other monoclonal‑antibody osteoarthritis products, Librela and Solensia, have declined due to safety concerns, prompting a lower full‑year 2025 revenue outlook of $9.4‑$9.475 billion.
Portela addresses a significant unmet need in feline medicine. Osteoarthritis affects up to 40% of cats, yet many cases remain undiagnosed or untreated. By offering a long‑acting, convenient therapy, Zoetis positions itself to capture a share of a market that is currently underserved and where competition is limited to a few older products.
CEO Kristin Peck emphasized that the approval “strengthens our commitment to innovation and execution in companion‑animal health.” Global Chief Medical Officer Richard Goldstein highlighted Portela’s convenience, noting that the single injection can reduce the burden on owners and veterinarians. EVP and President of R&D Rob Polzer added that the approval marks a “significant step forward in managing OA pain in cats.”
While Portela expands Zoetis’s portfolio, the company remains cautious about broader headwinds. Safety concerns surrounding Librela and Solensia continue to weigh on investor sentiment, and the company’s guidance reflects a conservative outlook for 2025. Nonetheless, the approval signals a potential new revenue stream and may help offset declining sales in other segments as the company pursues growth in the companion‑animal market.
Overall, the Health Canada approval of Portela represents a meaningful regulatory milestone for Zoetis, offering a new product that could broaden its companion‑animal offerings and address a sizable market opportunity, even as the company navigates ongoing safety‑related challenges in its existing osteoarthritis portfolio.
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