Viatris agreed to acquire Pacira BioSciences for $36.50 per share in cash, representing an aggregate equity value of approximately $1.65 billion.
The transaction is expected to expand Viatris’ innovative medicines business and establish a stronger position in non-opioid pain management.
Pacira brings two established U.S. products to Viatris: EXPAREL, which is used for acute postsurgical pain, and ZILRETTA, which is used for osteoarthritis-related knee pain.
Pacira generated approximately $746 million in revenue and approximately $177 million in adjusted EBITDA during the 12 months ended June 30, 2026.
Viatris expects to use its commercial infrastructure, intellectual property expertise, and international footprint to expand the reach and extend the value of Pacira’s portfolio.
The company also sees strategic overlap between Pacira’s products and Viatris’ fast-acting meloxicam opportunity.
Pacira will add U.S. commercial, market access, medical affairs, and global research and development capabilities to Viatris.
Viatris expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to its financial guidance metrics.
The company plans to finance the deal primarily using excess cash, with the remainder funded through short-term borrowings.
Viatris said the transaction should have minimal impact on its gross leverage ratio.
The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
KEY QUOTES:
“The pending acquisition of Pacira BioSciences is an important step in advancing our strategy to build our innovative medicines business. The addition of EXPAREL, for acute postsurgical pain, and ZILRETTA, for osteoarthritis knee pain, are synergistic with our fast-acting meloxicam market opportunity and position us as a leader in non-opioid pain management therapies.”
Scott A. Smith, CEO of Viatris
“Our mission from the start has been to deliver innovative, non-opioid pain therapies to transform the lives of patients. Pacira has helped reshape pain management by advancing awareness, expanding patient access and driving the adoption of opioid-sparing therapies.”
Frank D. Lee, CEO of Pacira BioSciences
