Core Insights - The fourth-quarter 2025 reporting cycle for the Medical sector is commencing, with major firms expected to release earnings results in the coming weeks, primarily in the pharma/biotech and medical device segments [1] - Johnson & Johnson's strong performance has set a positive tone, while Roche faced challenges due to unfavorable foreign-exchange impacts, particularly from a weak U.S. dollar [1] - Sanofi reported mixed results, beating earnings estimates but slightly missing sales expectations [1] Earnings Trends - As of January 28, 11.7% of Medical sector companies, representing 26% of the sector's market capitalization, have reported quarterly earnings, with 42.9% beating both earnings and revenue estimates [2] - Year-over-year earnings decreased by 15.5%, while revenues increased by 10.3% [2] - Overall, fourth-quarter earnings for the Medical sector are expected to decrease by 2.4%, while sales are projected to rise by 8.7% compared to the previous year [3] Company Highlights - **Zoetis (ZTS)**: Expected to report earnings on February 12, with a consensus estimate of $1.40 per share and revenues of $2.37 billion. The company has an Earnings ESP of +0.84% and a Zacks Rank of 3. Recent performance has been driven by strong demand for companion animal products, although sales of certain monoclonal antibody products may have declined [7][8] - **Pacira BioSciences (PCRX)**: Anticipated to report earnings soon, with a consensus estimate of 85 cents per share and revenues of $196.99 million. The company has an Earnings ESP of +7.38% and a Zacks Rank of 2. Revenue growth is expected from its pain-management product, Exparel, and other products [9][10] - **Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS)**: Expected to report earnings soon, with a consensus estimate of a loss of 41 cents per share and revenues of $194.37 million. The company has an Earnings ESP of +4.52% and a Zacks Rank of 3. Revenue growth is likely driven by its geographic atrophy drug, Syfovre [11][12] - **Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD)**: Set to report earnings soon, with a consensus estimate of 12 cents per share and revenues of $292.64 million. The company has an Earnings ESP of +14.92% and a Zacks Rank of 3. Revenue growth is expected from its lead drug, Nuplazid, and its second product, Daybue [13][14] - **Denali Therapeutics (DNLI)**: Expected to report a loss of 75 cents per share and revenues of $18.47 million. The company has an Earnings ESP of +6.11% and a Zacks Rank of 3. Revenue expectations are based on collaboration revenues, with updates on pipeline programs anticipated [15][16]

Summary of Pacira BioSciences FY Conference Call (January 14, 2026) Company Overview - **Company**: Pacira BioSciences (NasdaqGS:PCRX) - **Mission**: Deliver innovative, non-opioid pain management therapies to transform lives [2][3] - **Sales**: Reported unaudited sales of $726 million for the previous year [2] - **Employees**: Over 800 engaged employees [2] - **Patients Served**: More than 18 million patients helped to date [2] Product Portfolio - **Key Products**: - **Exparel**: Flagship product for nerve block - **Zilretta**: Long-acting corticosteroid for osteoarthritis pain - **Iovera**: Medical device using cryoneurolysis for pain management [3] Strategic Developments - **5x30 Strategy**: Aims to help over 3 million patients by 2030, achieve double-digit top-line growth, expand profitability by five points, add five new programs to the pipeline, and establish five partnerships [6][7] - **Partnerships**: - **Johnson & Johnson MedTech**: Triples reach for Zilretta [9] - **LG Chem**: Gains commercial rights for Exparel in Asia-Pacific, with potential for Zilretta sales [10] - **Intellectual Property**: Strong IP estate with 21 patents, providing robust defense against future Paragraph IV filers [5][12] Financial Performance - **Stock Performance**: 40% increase in stock price from January to December [5] - **Profitability**: Expected margins of 80%-82% for the current year [7] - **Share Buyback**: $150 million worth of stock repurchased, reducing outstanding shares to 41 million [11] Pipeline and Data Catalysts - **Upcoming Data Catalysts**: - **PCRX201**: Local gene therapy with promising phase one results [8][22] - **Iovera Spasticity**: Interim readout expected in the first half of the year [21] - **Zilretta for OA of the Shoulder**: Registrational study readout anticipated [21] Market Access and Growth Strategy - **NOPAIN Legislation**: Aimed at reducing opioid prescriptions; 102 million lives covered by the end of the year [19] - **Market Access**: Over 90% of business contracted, with ongoing efforts to educate stakeholders [20][44] - **Volume Growth**: Notable growth in the second half of the year, with 9% and 7% volume growth in Q3 and Q4 respectively [36] Challenges and Future Outlook - **Behavior Change**: Ongoing efforts to drive behavior change among healthcare professionals regarding non-opioid pain management [31] - **Market Education**: Continued focus on educating physicians and patients about the benefits of non-opioid options [41][43] - **Long-term Potential**: Exploration of additional indications for PCRX201, including potential for repeat dosing and expansion to other joints [33][35] Conclusion - **Overall Sentiment**: The company is optimistic about its growth trajectory, driven by a strong product pipeline, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to transforming pain management [28][30]

Core Insights - Pacira BioSciences (PCRX) has entered a partnership with LG Chem to enhance access to opioid-sparing postsurgical pain management in select Asia-Pacific markets, granting LG Chem exclusive rights to commercialize Exparel [1][6] Group 1: Partnership Details - The agreement includes an undisclosed upfront payment, a transfer price, and tiered royalties on future sales generated by LG Chem in the licensed markets [2] - Pacira will manufacture Exparel, while LG Chem will manage regulatory filings and approvals, with plans to submit marketing authorization applications in South Korea and Thailand within six months [2][6] Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The partnership aims to extend Exparel's reach into Asia-Pacific markets, supporting Pacira's long-term growth strategy by tapping into a large surgical patient base [3] - Exparel's extended duration of action addresses the demand for advanced postsurgical pain management solutions in Asian markets, where reliance on short-acting analgesics is prevalent [4] Group 3: Financial Implications - The collaboration is expected to expand Exparel's commercial footprint and create new revenue channels outside the United States, which is crucial as Pacira reported preliminary fourth-quarter revenues of $196.9 million, a 5% year-over-year increase but below market expectations [9] - Management is positioning the international expansion of Exparel as a key lever to drive incremental sales and improve overall revenue momentum [9] Group 4: Product Portfolio - In addition to Exparel, Pacira's marketed portfolio includes Zilretta, an extended-release therapy for osteoarthritis knee pain, and the iovera system, a device for delivering cold temperature to targeted nerves [10]

Core Insights - Pacira BioSciences (PCRX) reported preliminary, unaudited total revenues of $196.9 million for Q4 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $199 million, leading to a 9.6% decline in stock price [1][5] Group 1: Product Revenues - Exparel's net product sales reached $155.8 million in Q4 2025, a 5% increase from the previous year, slightly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $155 million [3][5] - Zilretta's net product sales were reported at $33 million, remaining flat year over year and missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $34.4 million [6][7] - Iovera's net product sales amounted to $7 million, an 8% increase from the year-ago quarter, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.3 million [8] Group 2: Annual Performance - For the full year 2025, Pacira BioSciences reported total revenues of $726.4 million, a 4% increase year over year, but below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $728.8 million [9]

Core Insights - The biotech industry has shown strong performance in 2025 despite macroeconomic uncertainties, driven by new drug approvals and pipeline progress [1][2] - Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have surged in 2025, with large companies expanding their portfolios through strategic collaborations and acquisitions [2][9] - Smaller biotech firms leveraging breakthrough technologies are gaining attention, contributing to overall sector momentum [2] Industry Overview - The Zacks Biomedical and Genetics industry includes biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that develop innovative drugs using advanced technologies [4] - The industry has outperformed both the Zacks Medical sector and the S&P 500, with a 22.1% gain over the last six months compared to 12.5% and 16.5% respectively [18] - The current valuation of the industry, based on the trailing 12-month price-to-sales ratio, is 2.47X, lower than the S&P 500's 5.96X and the Zacks Medical sector's 2.66X [19] Trends and Challenges - Key trends shaping the industry include a focus on innovation, the use of AI in drug discovery, and the rise of precision medicine [6][12] - Successful commercialization remains a challenge for smaller biotechs, often leading to collaborations with larger firms for shared sales or royalties [7] - Pipeline setbacks and potential tariffs pose risks, as developing drugs is costly and time-consuming, with many therapies taking years to gain approval [13][14] Notable Companies - Amicus Therapeutics has seen strong performance with its lead drug Galafold, which is approved for Fabry disease, and has settled patent litigation to fend off generic competition [21][22] - ANI Pharmaceuticals has a diversified focus on rare diseases and generics, with a notable 70% year-over-year sales increase for its ACTH-based injection [23][24] - Arcutis Biotherapeutics is focused on treating inflammatory skin diseases, with its lead product Zoryve performing well and expanding its label [25][26] - Tango Therapeutics is developing precision medicine for oncology, with promising data from its ongoing studies [27][28] - Pacira BioSciences is expanding its lead drug Exparel's label and has seen a 36.4% gain in shares over the past year [29][30]

Industry Overview - The biotech industry has shown strong performance in 2025 despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, driven by new drug approvals and pipeline progress [1] - Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) surged in 2025, with large pharmaceutical and biotech companies expanding their portfolios through strategic collaborations and acquisitions [2] - The Zacks Biomedical and Genetics industry has outperformed both the Zacks Medical sector and the S&P 500, gaining 22.1% in the last six months compared to 12.5% and 16.5% respectively [18] Key Trends - Innovation and execution are critical, with a focus on high-profile drugs and innovative pipeline development, particularly with the rise of AI technology in drug discovery [6] - Successful commercialization is essential for drug uptake, often requiring collaborations with larger firms due to funding and expertise limitations of smaller biotechs [7] - Pipeline setbacks and potential tariffs pose challenges, as drug development is costly and time-consuming, with many drugs taking years to gain regulatory approval [13][14] Notable Companies - Amicus Therapeutics (FOLD) has performed well, with its lead drug Galafold showing strong demand and recent FDA approval for Pombiliti + Opfolda boosting its portfolio [24] - ANI Pharmaceuticals (ANIP) has seen significant growth in its rare disease franchise, with sales of its ACTH-based injection Cortrophin Gel surging 70% year-over-year [28] - Arcutis Biotherapeutics (ARQT) is focused on treating inflammatory skin diseases, with its lead product Zoryve performing well and expanding its label [32] - Tango Therapeutics is developing precision medicine for oncology, with promising data from its ongoing studies [36] - Pacira BioSciences (PCRX) maintains momentum with its lead drug Exparel and is looking to expand its label further [38]

Summary of Pacira BioSciences Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Pacira BioSciences (NasdaqGS:PCRX) - **Focus**: Musculoskeletal pain management - **Products**: - Exparel: Flagship nerve block product - Zilretta: Long-acting steroid for osteoarthritis - Iovera: Medical device using cryoneurolysis for pain relief - **Future Goals**: 5x30 initiative aiming for significant growth and development by 2030 [1][2] Financial Performance - **Revenue Projection**: Expected to be around $750 million for the year, with Exparel contributing over $500 million [4] - **EBITDA**: Anticipated to be around $200 million [4] - **Growth Drivers**: Exparel is the main growth driver, with ongoing investments in commercial medical market access [3][5] Exparel Growth Dynamics - **Reimbursement Catalyst**: Introduction of "no pain" reimbursement for Medicare patients, allowing separate reimbursement for Exparel [6] - **Volume Growth**: Year-over-year volume increases of 3%, 6%, and 9% in the first three quarters, respectively [7] - **Adoption Challenges**: Larger institutions are slower to adopt due to organizational complexities [12][13] Market Access and Sales Strategy - **GPO Contracts**: Over 80% of business contracted under Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) [10] - **Sales Force Structure**: Dedicated sales forces for Exparel, Zilretta, and Iovera to enhance focus and efficiency [17][18] - **Education Efforts**: Increased focus on educating payers and healthcare professionals about the benefits of Exparel [16] Pipeline and Future Products - **PCRX-201**: A gene therapy targeting osteoarthritis of the knee, with a completed Phase I program and a recently enrolled Phase 2A program [29][30] - **Market Potential**: Positioned as a gene therapy for the masses, with a focus on local administration and improved safety profiles [29][31] - **Phase 2 Program**: Aiming for transformative pain relief extending beyond the current standard of care [32] Manufacturing and Margins - **Manufacturing Improvements**: Transition to a 200-liter process has improved production reliability and reduced waste, leading to enhanced gross margins [26][27] - **Margin Guidance**: Expected to achieve at least a five-point margin improvement over five years [27] International Expansion - **Global Market Opportunities**: Plans to explore markets outside the U.S. without the need for additional clinical studies [24] Conclusion - **Outlook**: Anticipated continued growth driven by Exparel, Zilretta, and Iovera, alongside new product developments and strategic partnerships [21][23]

Core Viewpoint - DOMA Perpetual Capital Management LLC, a significant stockholder of Pacira BioSciences, Inc., is urging the Board to hire bankers and initiate a full sale process for the company due to perceived management underperformance and financial mismanagement [1][2][4]. Financial Performance and Management Concerns - Pacira's management has been criticized for excessive spending, with stock-based compensation projected to be approximately 6% of the company's market capitalization for 2025, exceeding the firm's entire operating income [2][6]. - Year-to-date sales of Zilretta have declined by 2% year over year through Q3, indicating poor business performance [3]. - Revenue growth has been modest at 3% year over year, while expenditures have surged, with R&D costs increasing by 36% and SG&A by 25% year over year [6]. Valuation and Sale Potential - A potential sale could yield a valuation of around $2.7 billion, translating to approximately $66 per share, which is three times the current stock price and represents a reasonable acquisition valuation [4][5]. - The cash flows from Pacira's assets, particularly Exparel, could exceed $10 billion through patent expiration, suggesting significant value under a larger owner [4]. Strategic Recommendations - The company should immediately pursue a sale process, with a target completion date before the end of Q1 2026 [7]. - Cost-cutting strategies must be implemented to enhance shareholder returns, and all new development programs should be put on hold until a sale is explored [12]. - Free cash flow should be prioritized for share buybacks, with a recommendation for a new $300 million buyback program following the completion of the current one [12]. Shareholder Relations and Governance - The Board's actions have been perceived as neglecting shareholder interests, with ongoing dilution of shareholder value through unapproved share issuances [10][11]. - DOMA has been in communication with the Board for over a year, advocating for a shareholder-friendly capital allocation framework, which has only recently begun to materialize [9].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-over-year revenues increased by 6%, driven by strong performance from Exparel and iovera [4] - Third-quarter Exparel sales rose to $139.9 million from $132.0 million in 2024, with a volume growth of 9% [21] - Non-GAAP gross margin improved to 82% from 78% year-over-year, benefiting from manufacturing efficiencies [22] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $49.4 million [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Exparel demand saw a year-over-year volume increase of approximately 9%, marking the highest quarterly growth in over three years [4] - ZILRETTA sales increased to $29.0 million from $28.4 million in 2024 [21] - Iovera sales grew to $6.5 million from $5.7 million in 2024 [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 60 million commercial lives now have access to Exparel through separate reimbursement mechanisms, with a total covered population nearing 90 million across commercial and government payers [15] - Strong adoption of Exparel in ambulatory surgery centers, with volumes up more than 25% year-over-year [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its 5x30 growth strategy, which aims for a five-year double-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for revenue [14] - The in-licensing of AMT 143 aligns with the company's strategy to expand its clinical pipeline and enhance its product offerings [5] - The company is prioritizing complementary mid to late-stage opportunities in its pipeline, particularly in musculoskeletal pain [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory of Exparel, anticipating that volume growth will converge with revenue growth over time [21] - The company expects to see significant earnings driven by improving sales and enhanced gross margins [25] - Management remains optimistic about the potential of PCRX 201 to revolutionize osteoarthritis treatment [8] Other Important Information - The company executed an additional $50 million in share repurchases during the third quarter [23] - The company has a strong balance sheet with cash and investments of approximately $246 million [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of GPO on volume growth and selling days - Management noted strong uptake from the GPO signed in June, which contributed to volume growth [30] - There was no significant impact from the number of selling days in the quarter [33] Question: Rationale behind AMT 143 program and trial design - The company sees a market need for a product with longer durability and ease of use, complementary to Exparel [35] - IP protection for AMT 143 extends to 2042, with plans to expand upon that [38] Question: Awareness of Exparel in larger hospitals and market growth for elective procedures - Growth has been faster in smaller hospitals and ASCs, with larger institutions taking more time due to more decision-makers [43] - Modest improvements in elective procedures were noted in the third quarter, with expectations for more in the fourth quarter [49] Question: Early indicators for ZORVOLTA and gross margin expectations - The dedicated ZORVOLTA sales force is expected to drive momentum in the fourth quarter and significant progress in 2026 [52] - Gross margins are expected to improve next year, with a long-term goal of a 5% improvement over 2024 levels [56]

Core Viewpoint - A lawsuit is pending against Pacira BioSciences, Inc. for alleged violations of securities laws related to misleading statements about patent protections for its product Exparel, which is critical for the company's revenue growth [2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - An investor filed a lawsuit on January 13, 2025, claiming that Pacira made false statements regarding the patent protections for Exparel, which accounts for approximately 80% of the company's revenue [2]. - The lawsuit alleges that Pacira misrepresented the strength of the '495 patent, which was invalidated in a separate case, leading to concerns that generic competition could arise during the patent's life [2]. Group 2: Investor Information - Shareholders who purchased Pacira BioSciences, Inc. shares prior to August 2023 and continue to hold them are encouraged to contact the Shareholders Foundation for options related to the lawsuit [1][3].