FDA approval of Pacira Pharmaceuticals' (PCRX) Exparel as a brachial plexus block "is something of a watershed" in that the agency has never before approved any local or regional anesthetic for a single, specific setting, Piper Jaffray analyst David Amsellem tells investors in a research note. He believes the approval suggests an increasingly aggressive FDA approach towards the opioid crisis. Amsellem points out, however, that feedback from his surgeon survey suggests a "strong degree of enthusiasm" for Heron Therapeutics' (HTRX) HTX-011. However, the feedback also indicates that non-opioid, post-operative pain space is not a zero-sum game, the analyst writes. He believes Exparel can grow "even amid greater competition." Amsellem reiterates an Overweight rating on Pacira with a $44 price target.

These names in the biotech sector are seeing a substantial increase in search activity today, as determined by InvestingChannel. They include: Heron Therapeutics (HRTX),... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

These names in the biotech sector are seeing a substantial increase in search activity today, as determined by InvestingChannel. They include: Biohaven Pharmaceutical... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here