Pacira announces publication of study of EXPAREL

Pacira BioSciences announced the publication of its pivotal Phase 3 study supporting the efficacy and safety of EXPAREL as a single-dose sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa in patients undergoing bunionectomy. The results demonstrate that EXPAREL significantly improved pain control and reduced opioid consumption through 96 hours versus bupivacaine HCl. The data, which provided the basis for FDA approval for this indication was published in the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. Key findings for EXPAREL 133 mg versus bupivacaine HCl 50 mg administered as a single-dose sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa for patients undergoing bunionectomy demonstrated statistically significant and superior pain control over bupivacaine for 4 days post-surgery: There was a 44% difference in pain scores through 96 hours-the study’s primary endpoint-as measured by the area under the curve, or AUC, of the Numerical Rating Scale pain intensity scores from 0 to 96 hours post-surgery. Patients receiving EXPAREL consumed 61% fewer opioids through 96 hours-the study’s secondary endpoint-LSM total opioid consumption. Almost one quarter of patients in the EXPAREL group needed no rescue opioids through 96 hours compared to the bupivacaine group