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News
Viatris is acquiring Pacira BioSciences for $1.65 billion, gaining two key non-opioid pain drugs — Exparel and Zilretta — as it pivots away from generics toward higher-value branded medicines. The deal, priced at $36.50 per share (a ~45% premium), is expected to close by end of 2026. It also complements Viatris' fast-acting meloxicam, awaiting FDA approval by December 2026.
Viatris goes big on non-opioid pain with $1.65B Pacira acquisition
Viatris is making a major strategic bet on non-opioid pain management, announcing a $1.65 billion all-cash deal to acquire Pacira BioSciences. The acquisition brings two established drugs into Viatris' portfolio: Exparel, used for post-surgical acute pain, and Zilretta, a treatment for osteoarthritis knee pain. Viatris plans to expand both drugs into international markets as it shifts focus from generics to patent-protected branded medicines.
The move also sets the stage for a broader non-opioid pain franchise. Viatris is awaiting an FDA decision by Dec. 27 on its fast-acting meloxicam for moderate-to-severe acute pain — a drug the company says is "synergistic" with the Pacira portfolio. The deal is expected to close by end of 2026 and will be funded primarily through excess cash.
By the Numbers
Why it matters: As the healthcare industry continues to seek alternatives to opioids for pain management, this deal positions Viatris as a significant player in the non-opioid space — potentially reshaping how acute and chronic pain are treated across surgical and orthopedic settings.
