Liposomal bupivacaine for post-operative pain in children


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Indications: Post-operative pain
Therapeutic Areas: Pain Relief
Year: 2021

Liposomal bupivacaine is in clinical development for the treatment of post-operative pain in paediatric patients. Post-operative pain is a common occurrence in patients who have undergone surgery. Managing post-operative pain is important in order for patients to have a positive post-operative experience and to enhance their recovery, and for the prevention of chronic post-surgical pain in the long-term.

Liposomal bupivacaine is an anaesthetic (numbing agent) administered via local infiltration after surgery. It works by blocking nerve impulses in the body. It is used as a local analgesic to alleviate pain in a particular location of the body. When combined with liposomes, the local anaesthetic remains at the injection site for longer and is released gradually over several days. The benefits of this include the control of post-surgical pain at a minimal level, and lesser need for the use of opioids as a pain relief which further promotes earlier patient mobilisation. Liposomal bupivacaine is given as a prolonged-release dispersion for injection and if licensed, will offer a longer-acting local anaesthetic that can be administered as a single dose for paediatric patients with post-operative pain.