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Viatris Buys Pacira for $1.65B, Boosts Pain Drug Portfolio
9 Oct
Summary
- Viatris acquired Pacira BioSciences for $1.65 billion cash.
- The deal adds Pacira's Exparel and Zilretta non-opioid pain treatments.
- Viatris aims to expand these drugs into international markets.
Drugmaker Viatris announced on October 8, 2026, its intention to acquire Pacira BioSciences for $1.65 billion in an all-cash transaction. This move is designed to bolster Viatris's portfolio of higher-value branded medicines, particularly in the non-opioid pain management sector.
The acquisition includes Pacira's established treatments, Exparel for post-surgical acute pain and Zilretta for osteoarthritis knee pain. Viatris anticipates these additions will deepen its focus on patent-protected medicines and provide new growth avenues, especially as it seeks FDA approval for its own fast-acting meloxicam by December 27, 2026.
Financing for the deal will primarily come from Viatris's excess cash, supplemented by short-term borrowings, with minimal projected impact on its leverage ratio. The companies expect the transaction to conclude by the end of 2026, with Viatris anticipating immediate positive accretion to its financial guidance metrics.
