AmacaThera Enters Global Licensing Agreement with Pacira BioSciences for Non-Opioid Post-Surgical Pain Therapy

AmacaThera Inc., a biotechnology company focused on hydrogel-based drug delivery systems, has entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Pacira BioSciences, Inc. for the development and commercialization of AMT-143, an investigational long-acting non-opioid anesthetic intended for post-operative pain management.

The agreement includes an upfront payment of US$5 million to AmacaThera, with additional potential milestone payments totaling up to US$225 million, along with tiered royalties on future net sales. The companies will jointly conduct a Phase 2 clinical program, scheduled to begin in 2026. Following this phase, Pacira will assume full responsibility for clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization.

AMT-143 is based on AmacaThera’s proprietary injectable hydrogel platform, which enables sustained and localized release of ropivacaine for up to 14 days. The hydrogel formulation is designed to transform from liquid to gel at body temperature, allowing for targeted drug delivery and extended therapeutic effect. The platform is compatible with a wide range of therapeutics, including small molecules and biologics.

AmacaThera was founded in 2016 by University of Toronto Professor Molly Shoichet and Mike Cooke, a former postdoctoral researcher. The company leveraged U of T’s innovation ecosystem, including the Creative Destruction Lab and UTEST accelerator programs, and collaborated with clinicians across the university’s hospital network during product development.

To date, AmacaThera has raised over US$15 million from institutional and private investors, including Lumira Ventures, NorthSpring Capital Partners, StandUp Ventures, the MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, BDC Capital, and individual investors.