Pacira BioSciences and LG Chem announced a partnership to expand EXPAREL into Asian‑Pacific markets, giving LG Chem exclusive rights to commercialize the drug in the region while Pacira continues manufacturing.
The agreement, disclosed on January 13 2026, includes an undisclosed upfront payment, a transfer price, and tiered royalties. LG Chem will secure regulatory approvals in South Korea and Thailand within six months, with plans to file for marketing authorizations in other Asian‑Pacific territories.
The partnership aligns with Pacira’s “5x30” strategy to broaden patient access to opioid‑sparing pain management. Pacira’s Q4 2025 revenue of $726.4 million, up 4 % from $701 million in 2024, was driven largely by a 7 % volume increase in EXPAREL sales, underscoring the product’s growth potential.
The global EXPAREL market was valued at $717 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.02 billion by 2031, a CAGR of 5.2 %. Asian‑Pacific demand for long‑acting, opioid‑free analgesics is rising as health authorities push for opioid‑sparing alternatives, positioning the partnership to capture a growing share of a $1 billion‑plus market.
LG Chem, a leading South Korean chemical and pharmaceutical company, will leverage its established distribution network and regulatory expertise to accelerate market entry. The company’s recent acquisitions, such as AVEO Oncology, demonstrate its strategy of expanding its pharmaceutical portfolio through strategic partnerships.
Pacira CEO Frank D. Lee said the deal “significantly expands patient access to opioid‑sparing pain management and advances our 5x30 strategy.” LG Chem VP Inchul Hwang noted that “current analgesics are constrained by short duration and limited efficacy,” highlighting the unmet need that EXPAREL addresses.
By partnering with LG Chem, Pacira can tap into new revenue streams without incurring the costs of building a local sales force, while LG Chem gains a high‑margin, long‑acting analgesic to diversify its product line. The collaboration is expected to strengthen Pacira’s global footprint and support its continued growth trajectory.
The partnership represents a material expansion of Pacira’s flagship product beyond the U.S. and European markets, reinforcing its commitment to opioid‑sparing pain solutions and positioning the company for sustained international growth.
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