Flexion Therapeutics
Biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. Best known for ZILRETTA, an extended-release corticosteroid for osteoarthritis knee pain. Acquired by Pacira BioSciences in 2021.
Notes
Flexion Therapeutics was a biopharmaceutical company that developed ZILRETTA (triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension), the first and only extended-release intra-articular therapy approved by the FDA for osteoarthritis knee pain. ZILRETTA was approved by the FDA in October 2017.
Acquired by Pacira BioSciences in November 2021 for approximately $630 million ($8.50 per share in cash). The acquisition brought together Pacira's expertise in non-opioid pain management with Flexion's ZILRETTA product for osteoarthritis.
The company was founded in 2007 and went public in 2014. Before the acquisition, Flexion had raised over $500 million in equity financings and had built a commercial organization around ZILRETTA.
Team (Pre-Acquisition)
- Michael Clayman, M.D. - Founder & CEO
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-clayman
- Frederick Driscoll - Chief Financial Officer
- Neil Bodick, M.D., Ph.D. - Chief Scientific Officer
Additional Research Findings
- Founded in 2007, IPO in February 2014
- ZILRETTA approved by FDA in October 2017
- First and only extended-release intra-articular corticosteroid
- Acquired by Pacira BioSciences in November 2021 for $630 million
- Portfolio company of 5AM Ventures
- Had over 200 employees at time of acquisition
- Key investors included 5AM Ventures, Sofinnova Ventures, and Polaris Partners
Sources
Investors
| Name | Location | Type | Stages | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5AM Ventures | Menlo Park, USA | biotech-focused | seedseries-a+1 | 8 |