Johnson and Johnson MedTech has entered into a strategic co-promotion agreement with Pacira BioSciences, Inc., a leader in the delivery of innovative, non-opioid pain therapies.  

As part of the agreement, Johnson and Johnson MedTech will co-promote ZILRETTA (triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension, Pacira’s extended-release intra-articular injection designed to manage osteoarthritis (OA)-related knee pain.

This agreement is expected to significantly expand access to ZILRETTA and extend its reach across a large portion of the seven million intra-articular knee injections administered to patients annually in the US.

The collaboration also includes joint professional education and engagement initiatives to support awareness of non-surgical options earlier in the treatment process.

“This collaboration represents a meaningful step in addressing the growing burden of osteoarthritis and helping millions of patients find relief earlier in their treatment journey,” said Oray Boston, Worldwide President of Trauma, Extremities, Craniomaxillofacial, Animal Health and Sports Medicine, Orthopaedics, Johnson and Johnson MedTech.

“It also expands our early intervention portfolio, deepening how we engage patients at a critical point in care,” he added.

Johnson and Johnson MedTech noted that this agreement reflects its broader mission to advance orthopaedic care with solutions that reflect changing patient needs and support better outcomes across the spectrum of disease severity.      

Frank D. Lee, chief executive officer of Pacira BioSciences, commented, “This partnership embodies our 5x30 strategy of leveraging innovative, targeted collaborations that drive growth, enhance our commercial presence, and improve the patient journey with safe, effective non-opioid treatments.”

“With its proven long-lasting benefits and distinct mechanism of action, ZILRETTA is uniquely positioned to meet a critical need in osteoarthritis pain management, and we believe this agreement will allow us to reach even more patients across the country,” added Lee.

Osteoarthritis, a progressive and degenerative joint disease, is estimate to affect over 30 million adults in the US, with knee OA being among the most prevalent and disabling forms.

While various treatments exist, many patients continue to struggle with pain and mobility, underscoring the need for more effective, longer-lasting solutions earlier in the care pathway.

This collaboration aims to extend the reach of ZILRETTA beyond orthopedic practices into additional physician specialties, including sports medicine, pain management and rheumatology.