Pacira And Patheon Team Up To Boost Exparel Manufacturing Capacity
By Cyndi Root
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced in a press release that Patheon will manufacture Exparel (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension). The strategic partnership positions both companies to prepare for future demand for the drug. Patheon intends to construct new manufacturing facilities inside its facility in Swindon, United Kingdom. Dave Stack, president, CEO and chairman of Pacira said, “Patheon has a long history of excellence in manufacturing sterile injection products. With Exparel on a growth trajectory, we are confident that Patheon will ensure our ability to continue supplying Exparel to the marketplace beyond the capacity of our current Science Center manufacturing facility in San Diego.”
Partnership Agreement
Currently, Pacira is manufacturing an estimated $400 million of Exparel. Under the new agreement, manufacturing at Patheon’s facility will add $300 million in product manufacturing capability, bringing the total to $700 million in manufacturing capability between both companies. The manufacturing suites in Patheon’s facility are to be modeled after the facilities at the Pacira Science Center Campus in San Diego. The new facilities in the United Kingdom are expected to be operational in two or three years.
As part of the agreement, Pacira will be a part of the manufacturing process at Patheon. Pacira will decide on the manufacturing equipment to be installed, oversee the technical process, and optimize Pacira’s DepoFoam manufacturing process. Patheon will construct the facility, install the machinery, and complete the manufacturing process. Jim Mullen, CEO of DPx (Patheon’s parent company) said, “Exparel is an ideal product for our Swindon facility, which we have recently upgraded to focus strategically on manufacturing specialty products in dedicated suites. We are excited about the commercial prospects of EXPAREL and look forward to building our partnership with Pacira based upon Patheon’s comprehensive customer service model.”
About Pacira
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. focuses on non-opioid products for postsurgical pain control. It launched Exparel in the U.S. in April of 2012. The company said that it may launch more projects or construct more facilities with Patheon in the future.
Exparel
Exparel (bupivacaine) is a local anesthetic. It helps numb pain by blocking nerve signals sent to the brain. The medication is used locally for specific areas of the body. Exparel is administered in a single dose that provides pain relief for up to 72 hours. Studies of the drug showed significant pain relief for procedures like bunion or hemorrhoid removal. Additionally, since it is a non-opioid drug, patients can delay or avoid opioid use.