Dog and Cat Owners Raise Concerns Over Arthritis Drug Safety After Pet Deaths

Dog and cat owners are questioning the safety of new arthritis drugs after reports of pet deaths potentially linked to the medications. The concerns have prompted investigations by health regulators in the United States and Europe, as well as a potential securities class action lawsuit against Zoetis Inc., the pharmaceutical company that produces the drugs.

The drugs in question, Librela and Solensia, are used to treat arthritis in dogs and cats, respectively. However, pet owners have reported potential side effects from these medications, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) receiving more than 3,800 reports of adverse events through the end of 2023.

Following the release of a Wall Street Journal article detailing the concerns, Zoetis' stock price fell by 7.8% on April 12, 2024. The Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, is now investigating potential securities claims on behalf of Zoetis shareholders and preparing a class action lawsuit to recover investor losses.

Why this matters: The safety concerns surrounding these widely used pet medications have far-reaching implications for pet owners, veterinarians, and the animal health industry as a whole. The outcome of the investigations and potential legal action could lead to changes in drug regulations and oversight, as well as impact the trust and confidence of pet owners in the products they rely on to care for their beloved animals.

In response to the allegations, Zoetis stated that it is cooperating with the ongoing reviews by health regulators and remains committed to the safety and well-being of animals. The company emphasized that it adheres to strict safety protocols and conducts thorough testing of its products.

Block & Leviton, another law firm, is also investigating potential securities law violations by Zoetis. The firm encourages investors who have lost money on their Zoetis investments to contact them to learn more about how they might recover those losses. Whistleblowers with non-public information about Zoetis are also encouraged to assist in the investigation or file a report with the Securities Exchange Commission under their whistleblower program.

As the investigations progress, pet owners and veterinarians are advised to closely monitor their animals for any potential side effects and consult with their healthcare providers regarding the use of these arthritis medications. The FDA and European regulators are expected to provide updates on their findings and any potential actions to be taken to ensure the safety of these drugs.

Key Takeaways

• Pet owners report deaths linked to new arthritis drugs Librela and Solensia.
• FDA received 3,800+ adverse event reports, prompting investigations and potential lawsuit.
• Zoetis stock fell 7.8% after Wall Street Journal article, company cooperating with reviews.
• Rosen Law Firm and Block & Leviton investigating potential securities law violations.
• Pet owners advised to monitor animals, consult vets on use of these arthritis medications.