Heron Therapeutics Announces the Inclusion of ZYNRELEF® as a Qualifying Product Under the Proposed 2025 Non-Opioid Policy for Pain Relief Under the OPPS and the ASC Payment System

Core Viewpoint - Heron Therapeutics' ZYNRELEF has been included in the proposed 2025 Non-Opioid Policy for Pain Relief under Medicare, which is expected to enhance its reimbursement status and support its use in postoperative pain management [1][2][3] Group 1: ZYNRELEF Inclusion and Reimbursement - ZYNRELEF is proposed to be a qualifying product under the Medicare hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system effective April 1, 2025 [1] - The current pass-through payment status for ZYNRELEF will expire on March 31, 2025, but the proposed rule will allow it to maintain separate reimbursement without disruption [2] - For calendar year 2025, CMS proposed that payments for qualifying drugs like ZYNRELEF will not be reduced by an offset, maintaining Medicare payments at average sales price plus six percent [2] Group 2: Company and Product Background - ZYNRELEF is the first dual-acting local anesthetic combining bupivacaine and meloxicam, approved for postoperative analgesia for up to 72 hours after certain surgical procedures [4] - The FDA has expanded ZYNRELEF's indications to include various surgical procedures, enhancing its market potential [4] - Heron Therapeutics focuses on developing therapeutic innovations to improve medical care, with a portfolio aimed at advancing standards of care for acute care and oncology patients [8]