January 16, 2026

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently granted full approval of Laverdia (verdinexor tablets) to treat dogs with lymphoma, a type of cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. Laverdia prevents certain proteins from leaving the nucleus of cancer cells, thereby allowing these proteins to control the growth and prevent the spread of cancerous cells in dogs. 

The FDA initially granted Laverdia conditional approval in January 2021External Link Disclaimer through the Minor Use/Minor Species pathway, which is an option for drugs intended for minor uses in major species (dogs, cats, horses, cattle, pigs, turkeys and chickens) or for minor species. Canine lymphoma affects fewer than 80,000 dogs in the U.S. each year, which qualifies as a minor use in a major species.

After four annual renewals of the conditional approval, the drug sponsor, Anivive Lifesciences, Inc., of Long Beach, California, generated the necessary effectiveness data to support a full approval.

Laverdia is available only by prescription from a licensed veterinarian due to the professional expertise required to diagnose canine lymphoma, to provide adequate instructions for post-treatment care, and to monitor the safe use of the product, including treatment of any adverse reactions. 

Owners of dogs with lymphoma administer Laverdia orally while at home, following a veterinarian prescription and the safety directions detailed in the product’s client information sheet. Laverdia is given twice per week, with at least 72 hours between doses. Doses should be administered to dogs immediately after eating, as this increases the amount of drug absorbed into the bloodstream.

There are special requirements for pet owners for this medication: the package insert for prescribing veterinarians includes detailed user safety information and special instructions for handling and administering the drug. Medical gloves safe for use with chemotherapy drugs should always be worn when handling Laverdia and when cleaning up after a dog undergoing treatment and for three days following the last treatment. This includes handling the dog’s food and water bowls, as well as feces, urine, vomit or saliva from the dog. Laverdia also comes with a client information sheet for prescribing veterinarians to give to their clients. This sheet is written specifically for dog owners and explains how to handle Laverdia safely, how to safely clean up after a dog undergoing treatment and other important safety information.

Pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and nursing women, should not handle or administer the drug or touch the feces, urine, vomit or saliva of treated dogs. Children also should not touch Laverdia or the feces, urine, vomit or saliva of treated dogs. 

Source from FDA:https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-grants-full-approval-first-oral-treatment-lymphoma-dogs

15ml Veterinary Syringe for Pets Feeding