By Fineline Cube 
AmacaThera, the hydrogel‑technology biotech incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Pacira BioSciences, the leading non‑opioid pain‑therapy company. The partnership covers AMT‑143, a long‑acting, non‑opioid anesthetic built on AmacaThera’s next‑generation hydrogel drug‑delivery platform.
Deal Economics
| Component | Amount (USD) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Up‑front cash | $5 million | Paid at signing |
| Milestone payments | Up to $225 million | Tied to Phase 2, Phase 3, regulatory and sales milestones |
| Royalty | Tiered on net sales | Starts at 5% and steps up to 12% as sales thresholds are met |
| Total potential value | $230 million | Includes upfront, milestones, and royalties |
Under the agreement, AmacaThera will conduct selected early‑stage studies, while Pacira will fund all subsequent development activities through to commercial launch.
Technology & Clinical Highlights
- AMT‑143 delivers ropivacaine via a proprietary hydrogel matrix, achieving continuous drug release for up to 14 days in a Phase 1 safety/PK study.
- The platform is modular, supporting both small‑molecule anesthetics and biologic therapeutics for a variety of local‑delivery indications.
- Phase 2 trial slated for 2026; successful read‑out will trigger Pacira’s responsibility for Phase 3, manufacturing scale‑up, and global commercialization.
Strategic Rationale
- Pacira expands its non‑opioid analgesic pipeline with a differentiated, long‑acting formulation that could address postoperative pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and outpatient procedures.
- AmacaThera gains a major commercial partner and significant non‑dilutive capital, accelerating validation of its hydrogel platform across multiple therapeutic classes.
- Viva BioInnovator further validates its incubator model by shepherding portfolio companies to high‑value exit or partnership events.
Market Impact
- Analyst outlook: The deal could add $150‑$200 million of incremental revenue to Pacira’s 2027‑2029 forecasts, assuming a modest 1% market penetration in the $20 billion global postoperative pain market.
- Competitive landscape: AMT‑143 offers a single‑dose, 14‑day analgesic versus current multi‑dose regimens, potentially reshaping standard of care and reducing opioid reliance.
- Regulatory path: Both companies anticipate filing a New Drug Application (NDA) in the United States by 2029, with parallel submissions in the EU and China.
Forward‑Looking Statements
This release contains forward‑looking statements regarding the AmacaThera‑Pacira agreement, development timelines, and commercial expectations. Actual results may differ due to risks and uncertainties described in the companies’ SEC filings.-Fineline Info & Tech