On Jan. 16, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it had 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 2021 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.