Rabacfosadine
Also known as: Tanovea-CA1 · GS-9219 · VDC-1101
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lymphoma (B and T cell) and multiple myeloma | 0.82-1 mg/kg | IV | once every 21 days | over 30 min | 🌍 EU |
- Lymphoma (B and T cell) and multiple myeloma: Has been used in combination with doxorubicin at weeks 0, 6, 12 as part of an alternating protocol.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Rabacfosadine is a novel antineoplastic agent used primarily in veterinary medicine for the treatment of canine lymphoma (both B-cell and T-cell) and multiple myeloma.
Clinical Warning: This is a potent cytotoxic drug. It must only be prepared and administered by trained personnel following strict chemotherapeutic safety guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Rabacfosadine is a prodrug of the nucleotide analogue PMEG (9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)guanine). Once converted, it acts by inhibiting DNA polymerases → preventing DNA synthesis → causing cytotoxicity and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells, such as neoplastic lymphocytes.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity
- Pre-existing bone marrow suppression
- Liver dysfunction
- Known pulmonary disease
- Susceptibility to pulmonary fibrosis
Adverse effects
- Myelosuppression
- Gastrointestinal adverse events (including haemorrhagic gastroenteritis)
- Liver enzyme activity elevation
- Azotaemia
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Dermatological signs
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Injected sclera
- Urinary signs (proteinuria, glycosuria)
Precautions
Handling Precautions: Potent cytotoxic drug that should only be prepared and administered by trained personnel. See specialist texts for further advice on chemotherapeutic agents.
Clinical Pearl: Extreme caution is advised regarding pulmonary toxicity; patients should be carefully screened for pre-existing lung conditions before initiating therapy.
Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) for myelosuppression
- Liver enzyme activity
- Renal parameters (BUN, Creatinine) and Urinalysis (for proteinuria/glycosuria)
- Respiratory rate and effort (monitor for pulmonary fibrosis)
- Clinical signs of gastrointestinal toxicity
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Administered intravenously; 100% bioavailability.
Distribution
Distributes to lymphoid tissues where it is loaded into target cells.
Metabolism
Acts as a prodrug; metabolized intracellularly to the active moiety PMEG and subsequently phosphorylated to the active PMEG diphosphate.
Elimination
Primarily eliminated via the kidneys.
Overdose
Information not provided in the monograph. Due to its cytotoxic nature, overdose is likely to cause severe myelosuppression, gastrointestinal toxicity, and potentially fatal pulmonary fibrosis. Aggressive supportive care and monitoring are indicated.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable: Sterile lyophilized powder for reconstitution (8.2 mg/ml after reconstitution)
Veterinary
- Tanovea-CA1 (Sterile lyophilized powder)
Regulatory status
Initially conditionally approved as Tanovea-CA1, now fully approved as Tanovea.
POM-V. Handled as a hazardous cytotoxic agent.
POM-V. Handled as a hazardous cytotoxic agent.
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Sterile lyophilized powder for reconstitution before use. Reconstitute with 2 ml 0.9% NaCl.
Client information
Rabacfosadine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer, like lymphoma, in dogs.
- Handling waste: Because it is a chemotherapy drug, follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully regarding the handling of your dog's urine and feces for a few days after treatment.
- What to watch for: Monitor your dog for signs of stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite), extreme tiredness, or any changes in breathing (like coughing or breathing heavily).
- Breathing issues: > Contact your vet immediately if you notice any breathing difficulties, as this drug can rarely cause lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis).
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.