Pacira & AmacaThera Partner to Advance Long-Acting, Non-Opioid Pain Relief

BOSTON, MA – November 04, 2025 – Pacira BioSciences, a leading provider of non-opioid pain management solutions, and AmacaThera, a biotechnology company focused on innovative drug delivery systems, today announced a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize AMT-143, a novel, long-acting local anesthetic designed to provide sustained post-surgical pain relief. The collaboration aims to address the growing need for effective, non-opioid alternatives in managing post-operative pain, potentially reducing reliance on addictive opioid medications and improving patient recovery.

AMT-143 utilizes AmacaThera’s proprietary hydrogel technology to deliver ropivacaine, a commonly used local anesthetic, over an extended period. Early clinical data suggests the formulation can provide sustained pain relief for up to 14 days with a single administration, significantly longer than currently available local anesthetic options. This extended duration could minimize the need for repeated injections and enhance patient comfort.

Addressing the Opioid Crisis & Unmet Need

The partnership comes at a critical time, as the opioid crisis continues to plague the healthcare system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 106,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2022, with opioids being a major contributing factor. The increasing awareness of the risks associated with opioids has fueled demand for alternative pain management strategies.

“There is a significant unmet need for long-lasting, non-opioid pain relief options following surgery,” said a healthcare analyst familiar with the pain management space. “Patients are increasingly wary of opioids, and clinicians are actively seeking alternatives that can provide effective pain control without the associated risks.”

A Deep Dive into the Technology

AmacaThera’s hydrogel platform is designed to encapsulate and slowly release therapeutic agents, providing sustained drug delivery over an extended period. Unlike traditional local anesthetics, which have a relatively short duration of action, AMT-143’s hydrogel matrix allows for controlled release of ropivacaine, potentially reducing the need for frequent re-administration and improving patient compliance.

“The key innovation lies in the hydrogel’s ability to provide a sustained release profile,” explained a source close to AmacaThera’s research. “This allows for a single administration to provide prolonged pain relief, simplifying the post-operative pain management regimen.”

Phase 1 clinical trials, completed in early 2023, demonstrated the safety and tolerability of AMT-143, with sustained release of ropivacaine observed for up to 14 days. No serious adverse events were reported during the trial, suggesting a favorable safety profile.

Pacira’s Strategic Move & Market Potential

Pacira BioSciences, known for its flagship product Exparel, a long-acting bupivacaine formulation, sees the partnership with AmacaThera as a strategic move to expand its portfolio of non-opioid pain management solutions. Exparel has become a mainstay in many surgical settings, but a longer-acting alternative could further enhance Pacira’s market position.

“This partnership allows us to leverage our commercial expertise and market access to bring a potentially game-changing technology to patients,” said a Pacira spokesperson. “We believe AMT-143 has the potential to become a leading solution for post-surgical pain management.”

The global market for long-acting local anesthetics is projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2030, driven by increasing demand for non-opioid alternatives. Analysts predict that AMT-143 could capture a significant share of this market, particularly if it demonstrates superior efficacy and safety in larger clinical trials.

The Road Ahead: Clinical Development & Commercialization

Under the terms of the agreement, Pacira BioSciences will be responsible for funding the development and commercialization of AMT-143. AmacaThera will continue to support the program through manufacturing and technology transfer.

The next step involves initiating Phase 2 clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of AMT-143 in specific surgical procedures. These trials will assess the drug’s ability to reduce pain scores and opioid consumption compared to standard pain management protocols.

“The success of Phase 2 trials will be critical in demonstrating the clinical benefits of AMT-143 and paving the way for regulatory approval,” said a regulatory affairs expert familiar with drug development. “If the data are positive, we could see AMT-143 reaching the market within the next few years.”

Looking Beyond the Partnership: The Future of Pain Management

The partnership between Pacira and AmacaThera represents a significant step forward in the development of innovative pain management solutions. As the healthcare industry continues to prioritize patient safety and reduce reliance on opioids, technologies like AMT-143 are poised to play an increasingly important role in improving post-operative outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for millions of patients.

“This is part of a larger trend towards multimodal pain management strategies, where a combination of non-opioid therapies is used to provide comprehensive pain relief,” explained a pain management specialist. “The future of pain management lies in personalized approaches that address the unique needs of each patient.”

The development of AMT-143 underscores the potential of advanced drug delivery systems to revolutionize the treatment of pain and other chronic conditions. As researchers continue to explore new technologies and refine existing ones, the promise of a future where pain is effectively managed without the risks of opioids is becoming increasingly within reach.