Beyond Osteoarthritis: Emerging Applications of Anti-NGF Monoclonal Antibodies in Pain Management in Dogs and Cats

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin essential for the maintenance and growth of sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers. In pathological conditions, NGF is widely implicated in peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms, significantly contributing to the genesis and maintenance of chronic pain. Anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies, developed for the management of osteoarthritis pain, have demonstrated clinical efficacy and good tolerability in several animal species, particularly dogs and cats. Although their use is currently limited to the management of osteoarthritis pain, preclinical and clinical evidence indicates their potential therapeutic role in other pathological conditions characterized by chronic pain, such as oncological conditions like osteosarcoma, idiopathic cystitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and neuropathies. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the potential clinical applications of anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies beyond osteoarthritis, analyzing their pathophysiological rationale, available scientific evidence, possible therapeutic advantages, and limitations that remain to be addressed.