Pacira BioSciences' Exparel drug was found to be effective in treating pain after total knee replacements, according to a study.
The Phase 3 study examined Exparel as a single-dose femoral nerve block in the adductor canal for postsurgical regional analgesia in total knee replacement patients, according to a Sept. 7 news release from the company. The study demonstrated a "statistically significant" reduction in pain scores and opioid consumption through 96 hours after surgery.
Pacira plans to submit a new drug application to the FDA and will seek expansion of the Exparel label to include femoral nerve block in the adductor canal.