PCRX

Viatris (VTRS) has agreed to acquire Pacira BioSciences (PCRX) for $1.65 billion in cash at $36.50 per share, expected to close by end of 2026. The acquisition adds two marketed pain therapies (Exparel and Zilretta) generating $350.5 million in H1 2026 sales, plus a mid-stage gene therapy candidate (PCRX-201) for knee osteoarthritis. The deal is expected to be immediately accretive to Viatris' financial metrics and strengthen its non-opioid pain management portfolio.

Pacira BioSciences announced an exclusive agreement with Italian pharmaceutical company Molteni Farmaceutici to distribute and commercialize Exparel across the EU and UK. Molteni will launch the long-acting local anesthetic in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Poland starting in 2027, while Pacira retains manufacturing rights and will receive upfront payments, supply fees, and royalties. The deal supports Pacira's international expansion strategy while the company advances other pain management products including Zilretta and PCRX-201.

Pacira BioSciences surged 44% after announcing its acquisition by Viatris for $36.50 per share, valuing the company at approximately $1.65 billion. The deal represents a 45% premium to the previous closing price and is expected to close by end of 2026. Viatris plans to leverage Pacira's non-opioid pain management products, including Exparel and Zilretta, to strengthen its innovative medicines business.