A History of Putting Profits First
Zoetis, the world’s largest animal health company, has a long track record of maximizing shareholder value at any cost. This latest controversy surrounding Librela fits a familiar pattern of corporate misconduct in the pharmaceutical industry, where the drive for profits often overshadows concerns for public health and safety.
The approval and marketing of Librela exemplifies the dangers of unchecked corporate power in our neoliberal capitalist system.
Despite clear warning signs, Zoetis aggressively pushed this medication into the lucrative pet pharmaceutical market, estimated to be worth nearly $40 billion globally.
Red Flags Ignored in Pursuit of Market Share
Long before Librela hit the market, serious concerns had been raised about the safety of nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibitors – the drug class to which Librela belongs.
A decade earlier, the FDA had halted human trials of similar medications due to evidence of worsening joint damage and other adverse events. Major pharmaceutical companies abandoned development of NGF inhibitors for human use in the face of these risks.
Yet Zoetis forged ahead, seeing an opportunity to corner the market on a novel treatment for canine osteoarthritis. This decision flies in the face of responsible corporate practice and ethical drug development.
Misleading Marketing and Inadequate Warnings
In a brazen display of corporate irresponsibility, Zoetis launched an extensive direct-to-consumer marketing campaign for Librela. These materials painted a rosy picture of the drug’s benefits while downplaying potential side effects.
The company’s promotional messaging encouraged pet owners to “Ask your vet about Librela,” creating demand for a medication whose risks were not fully disclosed.
The FDA itself rebuked Zoetis for making “false or misleading claims about the efficacy of Librela” on the product’s website. This misbranding violation highlights the company’s willingness to bend the rules in pursuit of sales, even when public health is at stake.
A Mounting Toll on Pets and Families
The consequences of Zoetis’ actions have been devastating for countless families.
Since Librela’s approval, health regulators have received thousands of reports of adverse effects. These range from neurological problems and organ damage to, in some tragic cases, death.
The story of Cathy Hartney and her beloved poodle mix, Jake, puts a human face on this corporate-driven tragedy.
After receiving a Librela injection, Jake experienced severe side effects that ultimately led to his untimely death. Ms. Hartney, like many pet owners, trusted that this medication was safe based on Zoetis’ representations. Instead, she was left with mounting veterinary bills and the heartbreak of losing a cherished companion.
Ms. Hartney would later file a class action lawsuit against Zoetis for the death of her doggo.
Corporate Accountability in the Face of Tragedy
Zoetis’ actions demonstrate how the pursuit of profit can lead companies to disregard public safety and engage in deceptive practices.
As consumers and advocates for social justice, we must demand greater transparency and accountability from corporations like Zoetis. The unchecked power of these pharmaceutical giants poses a clear danger to public health and the wellbeing of our animal companions.
A Call for Change
Stronger oversight, harsher penalties for corporate misconduct, and a shift away from the profit-at-all-costs mentality of neoliberal capitalism are essential.
Until we address the root causes of corporate greed and corruption, tragedies like this will continue to unfold. It’s time to prioritize the health and safety of our communities – both human and animal – over the relentless pursuit of shareholder value.
We must remain skeptical of corporate promises to change. True reform will require sustained pressure from consumers, activists, and policymakers alike. Only then can we hope to create a system where the wellbeing of pets and their families truly comes first.