🐾 PET RESCUE 🐾 ANIMAL WELFARE 🐾 SOLENSIA/LIBRELA CLASS ACTION
Portela - Information
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⚠️ WARNING:
Portela (Relfovetmab) is a new, long-acting anti-NGF mAb medication for cats with OA, made by Zoetis.
Since it is significantly stronger than Solensia, it is expected to cause even greater harm.
Portela has recently been approved in the EU 🇪🇺.
Zoetis plans to release it in 2026.
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Portela's working mechanism is similar to Solensia's.
What is Portela?
Portela Will Be First Long-Acting Anti-NGF mAb Therapy for Cats
As claimed by Zoetis, Portela will be the first long-acting anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) mAb therapy for cats and is designed to provide three months of osteoarthritis (OA) pain relief with a single injection. The product targets NGF, a key mediator of OA pain.
EMA and Zoetis' information on Portela is linked below.
How does Portela work?
Portela targets nerve growth factor (NGF), which plays a key role in transmitting pain signals to the brain. By binding to NGF, Portela prevents it from attaching to its receptors on nerve cells, thereby interrupting pain signal transmission. However, Portela does not treat the underlying osteoarthritis; it only addresses the pain.
Why is targeting NGF a problem?
NGF plays a role far beyond pain signaling - it regulates your cat's immune, endocrine, musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.
It is crucial for the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Additionally, NGF regulates the growth and differentiation of B-lymphocytes and supports the maturation of T-cells during infections, making it a key regulator of your cat’s immune system. It is also essential for the maintenance and survival of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production, among many other vital functions. Targeting NGF can lead to devastating consequences in your cat's body. Solensia does not know which NGF transmit the pain, it targets them randomly, which can lead to various immune system and neurological system' issues.
What are the side effects of Portela?
At the moment, the drug is still undergoing the approval process in some countries (approved in the EU), so its exact side effects remain unknown. However, since its mechanism of action is similar to Solensia’s, the side effects are likely to be the same - potentially even stronger due to Portela's longer-acting nature.
Currently listed side effects of Portela:
- immediate pain upon injection (very common),
- dermatitis (common),
- pruritus,
- skin scabs,
- injection site swelling,
- injection site hair loss (uncommon).
Known side effects of Solensia:
- Skin issues: scabs, fur loss, itching.
- Gastrointestinal issues: vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool.
- Neurological disorders: seizures, twitches, hearing loss, vision loss, ataxia (loss of balance), paralysis.
- Cancer.
- Organ failure: kidney, liver, pancreas, or multi-organ failure.
- Death.
COMPLETE LIST OF REPORTED SIDE EFFECTS OF SOLENSIA:
🐾 Solensia sADR data
🐾 FDA's detailed list of reported side effects (from January 2022 through September 2024)
⚠️ Due to the severity and scale of its side effects, Solensia/Portela should be considered only as an absolute last resort, not a first option (or - ideally - not be considered at all). Before opting for Solensia/Portela, ensure you have explored all other available osteoarthritis treatments for your cat (see below).
When do the side effects occur?
For Portela:
Unknown.
For Solensia:
It varies; some cats experience them immediately, while for others, they may appear after months (or years) of use. This depends on several factors, including any pre-existing health conditions, existing medications (e.g., glucocorticoids), and the individual cat’s level of NGF. Since NGF levels differ between cats, those with higher NGF may not exhibit side effects immediately but could develop them after several months of continuous injections.
What Can I do if my cat experiences side effects?
Discontinue further injections immediately, as they may worsen the situation. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible!
Please note:
⚠️ Portela is not a "typical" drug, but a monoclonal antibody "treatment". Since it binds to your cat's NGF, it is impossible to flush it out of the system. You need to wait for it to decay.
⚠️ Because Portela is a long-lasting mAb (providing pain suppression for up to 270 days), its decay period will be much longer than Solensia's. At the time of writing, Portela's half-life has not been published by Zoetis.
In many Solensia side-effect cases, glucocorticoids (such as prednisolone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone) have helped by suppressing the immune response and raising NGF levels. This can reduce the body’s reaction to the foreign antibody and alleviate symptoms (medical journal articles on steroids increasing NGF can be found in "media coverage").
Since Portela works in a similar way to Solensia, it is likely that steroids may provide similar relief, although the exact dosage and effectiveness are not yet established.
When will Portela be out of my cat's system?
At the moment, Portela's half-life is unknown.
If not Solensia/Portela, then what? Are there any alternatives?
Yes, there are numerous alternatives to consider:
Nutritional Supplements
- Turmeric (FOR CATS!, e.g., from Dorwest): Highly anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and improves joint health.
- YuMove or Green-Lipped Mussel Supplements: Help reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
- Cosequin or Dasuquin: Contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint cartilage.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, they can reduce inflammation and support overall joint health.
Herbal and Natural Remedies
- Turmeric (version for cats!): Known for its great anti-inflammatory properties; one of the best joint supplements.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Known for its nerve-regenerative properties.
- Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA): A natural compound that helps reduce pain and inflammation.
- CBD Oils for Cats: Specifically formulated without terpenes, which can be toxic to cats.
- Cordyceps: A medicinal mushroom that has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It may also help improve joint function and reduce pain.
Physical Therapy
- Acupuncture: Stimulates natural healing and reduces pain.
- Cold Laser Therapy (e.g., HelioPet, Assisi Loop)⚠️ : Helps reduce inflammation and promotes tissue repair.
- Hydrotherapy: Gentle water-based exercises to improve mobility.
⚠️ Please avoid purchasing generic "cold laser" devices from Amazon or eBay unless they are classified as medical devices, UKCA certified 🇬🇧, and registered with the MHRA 🇬🇧 (or meet the medical device certification and registration requirements in your country).
Lifestyle and Environmental Adjustments
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on joints.
- Orthopedic Beds: Provide additional support and comfort for resting.
- Ramps and Steps: Help your cat access favorite places without jumping.
- Heating Pads: Soothe stiff and painful joints.
Medications
- Gabapentin: Commonly used for pain management.
- Meloxicam⚠️: A feline NSAID, but requires careful monitoring by a vet .
⚠️ In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe meloxicam for cats, but only under strict guidelines and for short-term use. Regular blood tests and monitoring of kidney function are essential to detect any early signs of toxicity.
Emerging Therapies
- Stem Cell Therapy: Shows promise in regenerating damaged joint tissues.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Uses the cat's own platelets to promote healing.
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🐾 Full Guide to Alternative OA Treatment for Cats can be downloaded below.
Please always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new treatment to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your cat's condition and overall health.
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