Surgical Robotics Technology
Johnson & Johnson MedTech announced a strategic co-promotion agreement with Pacira BioSciences, Inc., the industry leader in the delivery of innovative, non-opioid pain therapies. The agreement expands the Company’s Early Intervention portfolio with ZILRETTA® (triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension) an extended-release injectable for treatment of pain related to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. It also includes shared professional education and engagement initiatives to support awareness of non-surgical options earlier in the treatment process.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative disease that affects more than 30 million adults in the United States alone, with knee OA being one of the most common and debilitating forms.i Despite a wide range of available treatments, many patients continue to experience pain and mobility limitations, highlighting the need for more effective, longer-lasting solutions earlier in the care pathway.ii
“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 & Johnson MedTech. “It also expands our Early Intervention portfolio, deepening how we engage patients at a critical point in care.”
This agreement reflects Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s broader mission to advance orthopaedic care with solutions that reflect changing patient needs and support better outcomes across the spectrum of disease severity.
About ZILRETTA® (triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension)
On October 6, 2017, ZILRETTA was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first and only extended-release intra-articular therapy for patients confronting osteoarthritis (OA)- related knee pain. ZILRETTA employs proprietary microsphere technology combining triamcinolone acetonide—a commonly administered, short-acting corticosteroid—with a poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) matrix to provide extended pain relief. The pivotal Phase 3 trial on which the approval of ZILRETTA was based showed that ZILRETTA significantly reduced OA knee pain for 12 weeks, with some people experiencing pain relief through Week 16. Learn more at zilretta.com.
Indication and Select Important Safety Information for ZILRETTA
Indication: ZILRETTA is indicated as an intra-articular injection for the management of OA pain of the knee. Limitation of Use: The efficacy and safety of repeat administration of ZILRETTA have not been demonstrated.
Contraindication: ZILRETTA is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to triamcinolone acetonide, corticosteroids or any components of the product.
Warnings and Precautions:
- Intra-articular Use Only: ZILRETTA has not been evaluated and should not be administered by epidural, intrathecal, intravenous, intraocular, intramuscular, intradermal, or subcutaneous routes. ZILRETTA should not be considered safe for epidural or intrathecal administration.
- Serious Neurologic Adverse Reactions with Epidural and Intrathecal Administration: Serious neurologic events have been reported following epidural or intrathecal corticosteroid administration. Corticosteroids are not approved for this use.
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Serious reactions have been reported with triamcinolone acetonide injection. Institute appropriate care if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
- Joint infection and damage: A marked increase in joint pain, joint swelling, restricted motion, fever and malaise may suggest septic arthritis. If this occurs, conduct appropriate evaluation and if confirmed, institute appropriate antimicrobial treatment.
Adverse Reactions: The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥1%) in clinical studies included sinusitis, cough, and contusions.
Please see ZILRETTALabel.com for full Prescribing Information.
i. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Osteoarthritis. CDC. Updated January 26, 2024. Accessed July 9, 2025.
ii. Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. Lancet. 2019;393(10182):1745-1759. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30417-9
Source: Johnson & Johnson
