News & Events zu Pacira Biosciences Inc (PCRX)PCRXPacira Biosciences Inc

Pacira Successfully Transitions PCRX-201 Manufacturing Process

Pacira announced that it has successfully transitioned PCRX-201, its investigational locally administered gene therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee, to a U.S.-based scalable commercial manufacturing process intended to support future registrational development and commercialization. With drug product from the new manufacturing process now available, the first patient has been enrolled in Part B of the Phase 2 ASCEND study. Enrollment in Part A of ASCEND concluded in June, with topline data expected by the end of 2026. Together with PCRX-201's Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation and encouraging Phase 1 results, the manufacturing transition further supports the program's progression toward late-stage development. Importantly, the manufacturing transition was completed without delaying the ongoing Phase 2 ASCEND program.

Pacira Announces UnitedHealthcare Provides Separate Reimbursement for Exparel

Pacira (PCRX) announced that UnitedHealthcare (UNH) now provides separate reimbursement for Exparel across outpatient settings, including hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers. This update enables Exparel to be reimbursed outside of the surgical bundle for eligible UnitedHealthcare members, representing an additional step in expanding access to non-opioid postsurgical pain management options. "While adoption will build over time, this milestone with UnitedHealthcare reflects important momentum towards expanding access to non-opioid pain management for patients across the country," said Frank D. Lee, chief executive officer of Pacira BioSciences. "UnitedHealthcare's commitment to ensuring patients have access to safe, effective non-opioid postsurgical pain management marks a meaningful step in prioritizing evidence-based alternatives to opioids. As reimbursement for EXPAREL continues to expand across Medicare and commercial payers, we are helping to remove the financial barriers that have historically limited access and supporting more patient-centered, clinically driven care decisions."

Pacira Divests iovera degrees to Zimmer Biomet for Up to $140M

Pacira (PCRX) announced the divestiture of iovera degrees to Zimmer Biomet (ZBH). The iovera degrees system is a FDA-cleared, drug-free medical device that relieves pain via cryoneurolysis-a process whereby focused cold therapy is applied to a targeted nerve, temporarily interrupting its ability to transmit pain signals. Under the terms of the transaction, Pacira will receive up to $140M with an upfront payment of $70M and potential future revenue-based milestone payments totaling up to an additional $70M during the period up to and through December 31, 2031. The parties will collaborate on advancing the spasticity program with an opportunity for Pacira to receive incremental compensation assuming successful completion of the registrational study and subsequent regulatory approval. Zimmer Biomet will obtain all of Pacira's rights, titles and interests for the development, manufacture and commercialization of iovera degrees. Upon closing, the company intends to use the upfront net proceeds to strengthen its balance sheet including the pay down of its senior secured revolving credit facility. To support a smooth transition of iovera degrees into Zimmer Biomet, the parties intend to enter into a customary transition services agreement in connection with the closing. The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.