Pacira Pharmaceuticals and Nuance Biotech Announce License Agreement for EXPAREL in China

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Nuance Biotech Co. Ltd (Nuance) announced that they have entered into an agreement with Nuance, a China based specialty pharmaceutical company, to advance the development and commercialization of EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) in China. EXPAREL is a non-opioid option for achieving long-lasting pain control after surgery via infiltration into the surgical site or administration as an interscalene brachial plexus nerve block.

“We are thrilled to expand the commercial opportunity for EXPAREL to China with a strong locally-based partner,” said Dave Stack, chairman and chief executive officer of Pacira. “Nuance’s highly talented leadership team has deep experience developing and commercializing innovative products in China using tailored sales and marketing strategies. We look forward to working with Nuance to make EXPAREL a success in China in support of our corporate mission to provide a non-opioid option to as many postsurgical patients as possible.”

“EXPAREL is an ideal fit for the Nuance portfolio given our focus on developing and commercializing innovative products for the Chinese market,” stated Mark G. Lotter, chief executive officer and co-founder of Nuance. “With proven expertise in developing and commercializing global brands, especially surgical products, I have every confidence that Nuance will maximize the commercial value of EXPAREL in China through a dedicated sales, marketing and market access effort, as well as an extensive network of key opinion leaders from influential academic centers.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Pacira has granted Nuance the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize EXPAREL in China. The companies will establish a joint steering committee to review all development and commercialization plans for EXPAREL in China. Pacira will receive an upfront payment of $3 million and is eligible to receive future milestone payments of up to $55 million that are triggered by filing for and securing regulatory approval(s) and annual sales exceeding certain levels. Pacira is also entitled to tiered royalties as a percentage of net sales. Nuance intends to file a Clinical Trial Application with the China Food and Drug Administration later this year and begin clinical studies in China as soon as possible thereafter.