Pacira BioSciences Faces New Challenge on EXPAREL Patent Rights
Pacira BioSciences Notified of New Drug Application Challenge
In a significant development for Pacira BioSciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: PCRX), the company has recently been informed of a Paragraph IV Certification Notice Letter from Qilu Pharmaceutical (Hainan) Co., Ltd., a private pharmaceutical entity based in China. This notice pertains to Qilu's submission of an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for a generic equivalent of EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension).
Details of the Paragraph IV Certification Notice
The letter from Qilu asserts that claims related to 18 patents for EXPAREL listed in the FDA’s Orange Book are invalid or cannot be infringed by their proposed product. These patents are crucial for protecting the intellectual property of EXPAREL, which has been recognized for its innovative use in pain management.
Among the patents listed are significant ones, such as U.S. Patent Nos. 11,033,495 and 11,179,336, within two distinct patent families that are integral to the formulation and delivery method of EXPAREL. Notably, the first patent family is set to expire on January 22, 2041, while the expiration of the second is slated for July 2, 2044. Pacira plans to take necessary legal actions to protect its patents and has 45 days from the receipt of the notice to initiate a lawsuit, which would impose a 30-month stay on the FDA’s approval of Qilu’s ANDA, as stipulated by the Hatch-Waxman Act.
About Pacira BioSciences
Pacira BioSciences strives to enhance patient recovery by providing innovative, non-opioid pain management solutions. The company's flagship products, including EXPAREL, ZILRETTA® (triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension), and iovera° are at the forefront of transforming post-surgical pain management. EXPAREL itself is distinct for being the first multivesicular liposome local anesthetic, enabling longer-lasting pain relief and reducing reliance on opioids, thus offering a safer pain management alternative.
Key Products from Pacira
Expanding on the product lineup, EXPAREL is approved for use in various surgical settings, effectively controlling pain through infiltration and regional blocks. Both ZILRETTA and iovera° complement this offering, with ZILRETTA aimed at treating knee osteoarthritis pain and iovera° providing drug-free pain relief through cold therapy.
Innovative Development Plans
Pacira continues to innovate, with ongoing development of PCRX-201 (enekinragene inzadenovec), which represents a new frontier in treating prevalent conditions like osteoarthritis. This illustrates Pacira's commitment to offering alternatives that can significantly improve patient outcomes.
EXPAREL’s Safety Profile
While EXPAREL has proven efficacy in pain management, it is essential to recognize its safety profile. Common side effects observed in clinical studies include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Patients, especially children and those with specific health conditions, should consult healthcare professionals before use. The product's application in obstetrical care is notably limited to avoid compromising patient safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Pacira BioSciences to take legal action?
Pacira is taking action because Qilu Pharmaceutical has filed an ANDA claiming their product is a generic equivalent of EXPAREL, which may infringe on Pacira's patents.
What is the significance of the Paragraph IV Certification Notice?
The notice indicates that Qilu claims their product does not infringe on EXPAREL patents and challenges the validity of those patents, potentially impacting Pacira's market exclusivity.
What are the primary products offered by Pacira?
Pacira’s main products include EXPAREL, ZILRETTA, and iovera°, which all focus on managing pain without opioids.
How does EXPAREL work?
EXPAREL utilizes multivesicular liposome technology to deliver bupivacaine gradually, ensuring prolonged pain relief for patients after surgery.
What are the common side effects associated with EXPAREL?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and potential temporary loss of feeling, with risks varying based on injection method and patient health.
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