Animal health business Zoetis Inc (NYSE: ZTS) announced on Wednesday that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization for Portela (relfovetmab), the first monoclonal antibody therapy with a three-month dosing interval approved to alleviate osteoarthritis (OA) pain in cats.

Portela provides long-acting relief with a single injection by targeting anti-nerve growth factor (NGF), a key mediator of OA pain and inflammation. In a nine-month European field trial, the therapy was effective and well tolerated, including in cats with early-stage kidney disease. Approval followed a positive recommendation from the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) based on safety and efficacy data.

Osteoarthritis affects up to 40% of cats, though only 18% are diagnosed by veterinarians. Chronic OA pain can impact mobility, sleep, behaviour, and overall health. Portela offers a convenient option for cats that are difficult to medicate regularly.

Portela expands Zoetis' OA pain franchise alongside Solensia (frunevetmab), a monthly anti-NGF therapy approved in over 40 countries, with a proven record of improving cats' quality of life. Reported side effects for Portela include immediate injection-site pain and dermatitis, with uncommon reactions including pruritus, scabs and swelling.

The company plans to make Portela commercially available across the European Union in 2026.

Zoetis, a Fortune 500 company, offers medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies in over 100 countries. In 2024, Zoetis generated USD9.3bn in revenue and employed approximately 13,800 people.