A significant milestone in veterinary oncology has been reached as Anivive announces the completion of their field trial for Laverdia-CA1 (verdinexor tablets), a groundbreaking oral treatment for canine lymphoma. The study, which evaluated the drug's safety and effectiveness, included 150 carefully selected dogs from over 700 applicants across 12 clinical sites in the United States.
The comprehensive trial, designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked study, concluded its data collection phase on December 12, 2024. Anivive has now locked the database and initiated statistical analysis, with results expected in the coming months.
Regulatory Pathway and Global Expansion
The company plans to submit the Effectiveness technical section of the new animal drug application for regulatory review this summer. Notably, the FDA has already deemed all other major sections of the application complete. Beyond the U.S. market, Anivive is preparing to seek full approval in Brazil, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union once the data package is finalized.
Dylan Balsz, CEO of Anivive, emphasized the significance of this development: "The completion of our critical study for LAVERDIA-CA1 marks a major milestone in bringing forward an innovative therapy for canine lymphoma. We are excited to analyze the data and move closer to making an oral treatment option available for dogs living with this challenging disease."
Innovative Mechanism of Action and Administration
Laverdia-CA1, which received conditional FDA approval in 2021, operates through a novel mechanism as a first-in-class XPO1 blocker. The drug works by preventing specific proteins from leaving the nucleus of cancer cells, thereby helping control cancerous cell growth and spread. Treatment consists of oral administration twice weekly, with a minimum of 72 hours between doses.
Clinical Impact and Future Applications
Dr. Craig A. Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), provides valuable insight into the drug's clinical potential: "We know for the average dog, it may hold the disease for about 3 months or so. While it's not meant to be a silver bullet, it gives primary care a game changer—something else they can utilize, other than just prednisone."
Particularly noteworthy is the drug's emerging efficacy against T-cell lymphoma, a rare and traditionally difficult-to-treat form of the disease. This finding suggests potential broader applications for the treatment, addressing a significant unmet need in veterinary oncology.
Safety Considerations and Handling Protocols
Important safety protocols have been established for handling Laverdia-CA1. Healthcare providers must wear chemotherapy-tested gloves when handling the medication and treating affected animals, including managing their food, water bowls, and waste for three days post-treatment. The FDA has specified that pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, nursing women, and children should not handle or administer the drug, nor come into contact with treated dogs' bodily fluids.
Addressing an Unmet Need
With approximately 80% of canine lymphoma cases currently going untreated, Laverdia-CA1 represents a significant advancement in accessible veterinary cancer care. Its oral administration format and potential for home treatment under veterinary supervision could dramatically improve the treatment landscape for dogs with lymphoma, particularly in primary care settings.
