AmacaThera has entered an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Pacira BioSciences for the development and commercialisation of AMT-143, its investigational long-acting non-opioid anaesthetic for post-operative pain. The deal provides AmacaThera with US$5 million upfront and up to US$225 million in potential future milestone payments, along with a tiered royalty on future net sales.

AMT-143 uses AmacaThera’s tunable hydrogel platform, which delivers sustained local release of ropivacaine. The technology, clinically tested in a Phase 1 trial, demonstrated extended release for up to 14 days and is compatible with a wide range of therapeutics, including small molecules and biologics. The platform is designed to offer scalable, customisable drug delivery solutions with simplified manufacturing and administration.

Under the terms of the agreement, AmacaThera and Pacira will collaborate on the Phase 2 clinical programme, projected to begin in 2026, with Pacira funding clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialisation. AmacaThera will lead select clinical studies before Pacira assumes full responsibility for later-stage development.

“This partnership with Pacira is a major validation of our tunable hydrogel platform and our approach to developing long-acting therapies,” Mike Cooke, CEO of AmacaThera, said. “This partnership allows us to accelerate AMT-143’s development while demonstrating the strength, versatility, and commercial appeal of our technology to future partners.”

Molly Shoichet, CSO of AmacaThera, added: “Our platform combines two well-known, biocompatible polymers into an elegant hydrogel that enables precise, localised, and sustained drug delivery. It is compatible with a wide range of therapeutics, from small molecules to biologics, and can be precisely adjusted to meet the unique needs of each clinical application.”

Jonathan Slonin, MD, MBA, CMO of Pacira BioSciences, said: “We are encouraged by the Phase 1 data and confident in AMT-143’s potential to address a critical unmet need in the market. This unique long-acting formulation of ropivacaine is easy to use and locally administered with the potential to provide several days of safe and effective opioid-sparing postsurgical pain control. We look forward to advancing this exciting asset into Phase 2 clinical development in partnership with AmacaThera.”

The agreement represents a major validation of AmacaThera’s hydrogel technology, highlighting its potential across multiple therapeutic areas. Compared with competitors, the hydrogel is easier to manufacture, simpler to apply, and allows precise, sustained delivery of therapeutics. The partnership also secures non-dilutive funding, enabling AmacaThera to advance early-stage innovation while retaining ownership and long-term value.

Financial and legal support for AmacaThera on the transaction was provided by Aquilo Partners LP and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, respectively.