Animal health company Zoetis Inc (NYSE: ZTS) announced on Wednesday that it has launched Portela (relfovetmab) in Canada and European Union member states, introducing the first long-acting anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody therapy for cats. The treatment is designed to provide up to three months of osteoarthritis pain relief through a single subcutaneous injection.

Portela targets nerve growth factor, a key mediator of pain and inflammation, and demonstrated effectiveness in a nine-month European field study, with improvements observed as early as three days after the first injection. Zoetis said the therapy addresses the challenge of managing chronic osteoarthritis pain in cats, where diagnosis and treatment compliance remain limited.

The launch expands Zoetis' feline osteoarthritis portfolio alongside Solensia (frunevetmab), offering veterinarians a longer-acting treatment option for cats requiring sustained pain management.