For HCPs
Research & Collaboration Opportunities
Pacira Supports the Advancement of Science
Pacira collaborates with healthcare professionals across a wide range of evidence-generating and education-focused initiatives. From supporting independent research to enabling site participation in clinical trials, our work is grounded in scientific rigor, innovation, and a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs)
Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) have played a critical role in expanding the body of evidence.
Through independently led research, HCPs have generated valuable real-world insights, advanced peer-reviewed publications, and presented findings at national and international conferences.
Pacira is committed to supporting independent clinical studies designed and led by qualified investigators. We welcome proposals that explore the safety, efficacy, or real-world impact in the therapeutic areas of similar interest to Pacira. All submissions are reviewed for scientific merit, feasibility, and clinical relevance.
Collaborative Research
Our Collaborative Research Program brings together clinical experts and Pacira scientists to co-develop high-quality studies that address real-world challenges in pain management.
These partnerships help generate practice-relevant data through observational research, feasibility studies, and randomized controlled trials—building on our shared commitment to non-opioid innovation.
Collaborators benefit from operational, statistical, and publication support, with the potential for data co-ownership. All proposals are reviewed for scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with Pacira’s research priorities.
Pacira Clinical Trials
Beyond independent research, healthcare providers can also contribute directly to Pacira’s clinical development efforts by:
- Serving as a clinical trial site
- Referring eligible patients
- Expressing interest in future site collaborations
Whether you’re curious about current, upcoming, or future clinical trials, we’d love to hear from you. Find brief overviews of our current studies, then access direct contact information on each study’s page.
Educational Grants
Pacira provides grants for independent, non-promotional medical education that supports clinical advancement in pain management.
Activities may include CME/CE programs, symposia, grand rounds, and HCP or patient awareness efforts. Pacira has no influence over content or faculty of funded programs.
Pacira Research
Research and Innovation at Pacira
Pacira’s research portfolio includes both FDA-approved therapies and investigational candidates, each grounded in proprietary science and supported by rigorous clinical trials.
Below, explore each of our core therapies: the science behind them, the trials that support them, and the publications that have helped shape clinical understanding.
EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension)
Technology: pMVL (proprietary multivesicular liposome) Liposomal Delivery Platform
EXPAREL utilizes proprietary multivesicular liposome (pMVL) technology to encapsulate bupivacaine in microscopic chambers. This unique drug delivery platform allows for the release of an active agent over an extended period of time. In EXPAREL, pMVL allows bupivacaine to be gradually released over time.1,2
EXPAREL is FDA-approved to:
- Produce postsurgical local analgesia via infiltration in patients aged 6 years and older
- Produce regional analgesia in adults via an interscalene brachial plexus nerve block, sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa, and an adductor canal block
ZILRETTA® (triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension)
Technology: PLGA Microsphere Delivery System
ZILRETTA is the first and only FDA-approved extended-release corticosteroid for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain. ZILRETTA uses PLGA microspheres to slowly release triamcinolone acetonide into the joint space, offering pain relief for up to 3 months. The microspheres biodegrade naturally after drug delivery.
- FDA-approved for intra-articular treatment of OA knee pain
iovera° (Cryoneurolysis Device)
Technology: Wallerian Degeneration via Focused Cold Therapy
The iovera° device applies targeted cold to peripheral nerves, triggering Wallerian degeneration to block pain signals and provide relief without drugs. This minimally invasive, handheld device may provide immediate relief from chronic or surgical pain—until nerves naturally regenerate.
- FDA-cleared iovera° provides immediate pain relief using cryoneurolysis
- Drug-free treatment for peripheral nerve applications
Future Innovations
PCRX-201 (enekinragene inzadenovec)
Technology: Inflammation-Responsive IL-1Ra Gene Therapy
PCRX‑201 is a gene therapy candidate under investigation for knee osteoarthritis. It delivers an IL‑1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) via a high-capacity vector under control of an inflammation-responsive promoter. The goal: sustained local expression of IL-1Ra, only when needed, to reduce inflammation and pain with fewer systemic effects.
- Investigational. Not FDA approved
Novel Administration Techniques
Intra-Articular Postero-Medial Surgeon-Administered (IPSA) Block
A novel discovered administration technique, which may serve as an efficient alternative or complement to ultrasound-guided adductor canal blocks when ultrasound is not available.
This cadaver study was designed to ascertain if an intra-articular surgeon-administered technique may be comparable to an ultrasound(US)-guided adductor canal block by looking at dye placement and spread. It was found that the needle placement in the surgeon administered technique consistently targeted key knee structures with minimal unwanted spread.27
Clinical studies are needed to further evaluate the effectiveness of this technique for lower extremity surgeries.