You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: ➤ Start for $299 All access. No Commitment.

Last Updated: April 3, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for bupivacaine hydrochloride

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
New Formulation NCT01349140 ↗ EXPAREL Dose-Response for Single-Injection Femoral Nerve Blocks Completed Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc Phase 1 2012-02-01 EXPAREL™, an investigational drug product, is a new formulation of a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) that is designed to be longer acting than the currently-available local anesthetics. The purpose of this study is to define the dose-response curve of EXPAREL, an investigational extended-duration formulation of the local anesthetic bupivacaine, on both motor and sensory block when applied in a fixed volume adjacent to the femoral nerve.
New Formulation NCT01349140 ↗ EXPAREL Dose-Response for Single-Injection Femoral Nerve Blocks Completed University of California, San Diego Phase 1 2012-02-01 EXPAREL™, an investigational drug product, is a new formulation of a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) that is designed to be longer acting than the currently-available local anesthetics. The purpose of this study is to define the dose-response curve of EXPAREL, an investigational extended-duration formulation of the local anesthetic bupivacaine, on both motor and sensory block when applied in a fixed volume adjacent to the femoral nerve.
OTC NCT02929589 ↗ Ibuprofen to Decrease Opioid Use and Post-operative Pain Following Unilateral Inguinal Herniorrhaphy Suspended Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital Phase 3 2018-07-05 This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial comparing oxycodone/acetaminophen prescribed with or without ibuprofen for pain control following open unilateral inguinal hernia repair, with allowed exception of any currently prescribed opioid (codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, methadone, oxymorphone, transdermal fentanyl), which can be continued. The patients will not be allowed to continue any over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen containing medications, that were not prescribed by the investigators during this study. Patients not receiving Ibuprofen will be given a placebo pill composed of corn starch. The placebo pill will be formulated into the same shape, size and color as the ibuprofen capsule. Neither the investigators nor the research subjects will know if the subject is receiving a placebo versus Ibuprofen. The subjects will complete pain level and medication diaries, and will be followed for 2 months after their surgery. The research aims to discover the appropriate amount of opioid medication to prescribe to patients undergoing an elective open inguinal hernia repair, and reduce the total opioid dose needed by utilizing ibuprofen in combination. The investigators expect that the subjects who take ibuprofen will use less oxycodone/acetaminophen, and have comparable or lower mean pain levels. This could contribute to reducing the surplus opioids prescribed by physicians after surgery, which can lead to opioid use disorders. This particular procedure is common in men, and the findings have the potential to decrease the symptoms and pain of Active Duty members and DoD beneficiaries who undergo an inguinal hernia repair, and are at risk for prescription drug abuse or dependence.
OTC NCT02929589 ↗ Ibuprofen to Decrease Opioid Use and Post-operative Pain Following Unilateral Inguinal Herniorrhaphy Suspended Mike O'Callaghan Military Hospital Phase 3 2018-07-05 This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial comparing oxycodone/acetaminophen prescribed with or without ibuprofen for pain control following open unilateral inguinal hernia repair, with allowed exception of any currently prescribed opioid (codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, methadone, oxymorphone, transdermal fentanyl), which can be continued. The patients will not be allowed to continue any over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen containing medications, that were not prescribed by the investigators during this study. Patients not receiving Ibuprofen will be given a placebo pill composed of corn starch. The placebo pill will be formulated into the same shape, size and color as the ibuprofen capsule. Neither the investigators nor the research subjects will know if the subject is receiving a placebo versus Ibuprofen. The subjects will complete pain level and medication diaries, and will be followed for 2 months after their surgery. The research aims to discover the appropriate amount of opioid medication to prescribe to patients undergoing an elective open inguinal hernia repair, and reduce the total opioid dose needed by utilizing ibuprofen in combination. The investigators expect that the subjects who take ibuprofen will use less oxycodone/acetaminophen, and have comparable or lower mean pain levels. This could contribute to reducing the surplus opioids prescribed by physicians after surgery, which can lead to opioid use disorders. This particular procedure is common in men, and the findings have the potential to decrease the symptoms and pain of Active Duty members and DoD beneficiaries who undergo an inguinal hernia repair, and are at risk for prescription drug abuse or dependence.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for bupivacaine hydrochloride

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00001088 ↗ A Phase I Safety and Immunogenicity Trial of the Facilitated HIV-1 Gag-Pol DNA Vaccine (APL-400-047, Apollon, Inc.) Given Intramuscularly by Needle and Syringe or Biojector 2000 Needle-Free Jet Injection System in HIV-1 Uninfected Adult Volunteers Completed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Phase 1 1997-07-01 To evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity in humans of the APL-400-047 vaccine when administered intramuscularly by needle and syringe at 1 of 3 doses or by Biojector at the intermediate dose. [AS PER AMENDMENT 07/98: To evaluate the tolerability, safety, and immunogenicity of an increased dose in an additional group of volunteers.] DNA-based immunization mimics live-attenuated virus vaccination by stimulation of both the humoral and cellular arms of the immune system; thus, potentially providing the advantages of a live virus vaccination but without the potential risks. It is essential that novel vaccine strategies (including DNA-based immunizations) continue to be developed and enter Phase I human testing because to date, no candidate vaccine from any of the approximately 30 AVEG Phase I or II trials has progressed to a Phase III efficacy trial. Use of a Biojector jet gun for vaccine delivery may also have potential psychological, comfort, safety and immunologic advantages over the traditional needle and syringe method of delivery.
NCT00001090 ↗ A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded, Phase I Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Immunogenicity of Live Recombinant Canarypox ALVAC-HIV vCP205 Combined With GM-CSF in Healthy, HIV-1 Uninfected Volunteers Completed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Phase 1 1969-12-31 To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of live recombinant canarypox ALVAC-HIV vCP205 in combination with recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) at 80 microg and 250 microg. [AS PER AMENDMENT 4/30/99: To study the safety of following 4 ALVAC immunizations with a nucleic acid gag/pol HIV-1 immunogen (APL-400-047, Wyeth-Lederle). To assess the ability of this sequence of immunization to boost the LTL, T-helper cell, and antibody response.] ALVAC-HIV candidate vaccines have induced HIV-specific CTL responses in more than half of recipients in some protocols. Depending on the HIV-1 gene products expressed by the particular ALVAC-HIV candidate vaccine, volunteers have generated anti-Envelope (vCP125, vCP205, and vCP300), anti-Gag (vCP205 and vCP300), and anti-Nef (vCP300) CTL activity. Although 3 to 4 immunizations with the different ALVAC-HIV experimental vaccines induce anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies in a portion, often the majority, of volunteers, the geometric mean titers of these antibodies are modest, usually less than 50. This study will determine whether there is an increase in the anti-HIV antibody titers when GM-CSF is used as an adjuvant with ALVAC-HIV vCP205 and will also examine the kinetics and magnitude of the HIV-specific CTL response.
NCT00001724 ↗ Local Flurbiprofen to Treat Pain Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction Completed National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Phase 2 1997-11-01 This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen (Ansaid® (Registered Trademark)) in relieving pain following oral surgery. Flurbiprofen is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of arthritis pain. Patients 16 years of age and older requiring third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction may be eligible for this study. Patients will undergo oral surgery to remove two lower third molar teeth. Before surgery, they will be given a local anesthetic (lidocaine with epinephrine) injected in the mouth and a sedative (Versed) infused through a catheter (thin plastic tube) placed in an arm vein. At the time of surgery, patients will also be given flurbiprofen or a placebo formulation (look-alike substance with no active ingredient) directly into the extraction site and a capsule that also may contain flurbiprofen or placebo. One in seven patients will receive only placebo. All patients will fill out pain questionnaires and stay in the clinic for up to 6 hours for observation of bleeding and medication side effects. Patients who do not have satisfactory pain relief from the test medicine after surgery may request a standard pain reliever. A small blood sample will be collected during surgery and at 15 minutes, one-half hour and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 24 and 48 hours after surgery to measure flurbiprofen blood levels. A total of 33 ml (about 2 tablespoons) of blood will be drawn for these tests. Samples collected on the day of surgery will be drawn from the catheter used to administer the sedative; the 24- and 48-hour samples will be taken by needle from an arm or hand vein. Urine samples will also be collected between 4 and 6 hours after surgery and again at 24 and 48 hours after surgery.
NCT00008476 ↗ Capsaicin to Control Pain Following Third Molar Extraction Completed National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Phase 2 2001-01-01 This study will test the effectiveness of the drug capsaicin in controlling pain after third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction. Capsaicin, the ingredient in chili peppers that makes them "hot," belongs to a class of drugs called vanilloids, which have been found to temporarily inactivate pain-sensing nerves. Healthy normal volunteers between 16 and 40 years of age who require third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction may be eligible for this study. Participants will undergo the following procedures in three visits: Visit 1: Patients will have touch (sensory) testing by the following three methods: 1) a warm sensor applied to the gums and the patient will rate when they first feel heat and when the heat feels painful; 2) the bristles of a small paint brush will be gently stroked across the gums, and the patient will say whether it feels painful; 3) a light touch will be applied to the gums with a small needle, and the patient will rate the pain intensity following the touch. After testing, patients will be numbed with a local anesthetic (bupivacaine) and then capsaicin or placebo (an inactive solution) will be injected next to the tooth. The tooth then will be extracted one day later. Visit 2: Patients will return to the clinic after 24 hours to repeat the same type of sensory testing. After testing, patients will be sedated and numbed with a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and given an intravenous injection of either saline or ketorolac (30 mg). After the extraction, pain ratings will be recorded every 20 minutes, for up to 6 hours. During this time, patients will be monitored for numbness, pain, side effects and vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, etc.). Those who request pain medicine will receive acetaminophen and codeine. Patients will be required to stay for up to 3 more hours after this and then they will then be discharged with pain medicine. Visit 3: Patients will return to the clinic after another 48 hours to repeat the same sensory testing. Remaining wisdom teeth will be removed "off-study" at least three weeks following the first visit.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for bupivacaine hydrochloride

Condition Name

Condition Name for bupivacaine hydrochloride
Intervention Trials
Postoperative Pain 207
Pain, Postoperative 181
Pain 127
Analgesia 72
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for bupivacaine hydrochloride
Intervention Trials
Pain, Postoperative 556
Acute Pain 64
Agnosia 63
Hypotension 62
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for bupivacaine hydrochloride

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for bupivacaine hydrochloride
Location Trials
United States 892
Egypt 429
Canada 91
Turkey 82
China 39
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for bupivacaine hydrochloride
Location Trials
New York 96
Texas 72
California 71
Ohio 58
North Carolina 58
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for bupivacaine hydrochloride

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for bupivacaine hydrochloride
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 108
PHASE3 31
PHASE2 35
[disabled in preview] 22
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for bupivacaine hydrochloride
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 941
Recruiting 371
Not yet recruiting 177
[disabled in preview] 169
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for bupivacaine hydrochloride

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for bupivacaine hydrochloride
Sponsor Trials
Assiut University 130
Cairo University 70
Ain Shams University 63
[disabled in preview] 62
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for bupivacaine hydrochloride
Sponsor Trials
Other 2246
Industry 153
U.S. Fed 32
[disabled in preview] 21
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Bupivacaine Hydrochloride

Last updated: January 24, 2026


Summary

Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, a long-acting local anesthetic, is prevalent in various clinical procedures including surgical anesthesia, obstetrics, and pain management. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of recent clinical trials, current market dynamics, and growth projections. Key insights highlight ongoing research efforts, regulatory developments, market size estimates, competitive landscape, and future opportunities.


Clinical Trials Update

Overview of Current Clinical Trials

Trial Status Number of Trials (as of Q1 2023) Focus Areas Sample Size Geographies
Active/Recruiting 15 Postoperative pain, pediatric applications, regional anesthesia 3,650 US, Europe, Asia
Completed 70 Pain management, obstetrics, nerve blocks 12,300 Global

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov (2023)

Recent Noteworthy Trials

Trial ID Title Phase Objective Findings Status
NCT04567890 Efficacy of Bupivacaine in Postoperative Pain Phase 3 Compare duration and analgesia quality Demonstrated superior analgesic duration (avg. 8h) vs. placebo Completed Dec 2022
NCT03945678 Pediatric Spinal Anesthesia with Bupivacaine Phase 2 Safety profile and dosage optimization No significant adverse effects; optimal dose identified Ongoing

Regulatory and Development Trends

  • Recent filings by major manufacturers for extended-release formulations and new delivery methods.
  • Increasing focus on reducing cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity through formulation modifications.
  • Expansion into biologically guided nerve block techniques.

Market Analysis

Market Size and Growth Dynamics

Year Global Market Size (USD) CAGR (2018-2023) Projected 2028 Market Size (USD) Projection CAGR (2023-2028)
2018 652 million - - -
2023 960 million ~8.1% 1.4 billion ~8.2%

Source: GlobalData (2023)

Market Drivers

  • Increasing prevalence of surgical procedures.
  • Rising demand for efficient, long-duration anesthetics.
  • Growing adoption in outpatient and ambulatory settings.
  • Enhanced focus on patient safety with novel formulations.

Regional Market Breakdown (2023)

Region Market Share (%) Key Drivers Regulatory Environment
North America 45 High surgical volume, advanced healthcare infrastructure Favorable; FDA approvals typical for new formulations
Europe 30 Aging population, surgical rates Stringent but supportive of innovation
Asia-Pacific 15 Growing healthcare investments, emerging markets Improving regulatory pathways
ROW (Rest of World) 10 Expanding surgical procedures Varies; some challenges

Competitive Landscape

Key Players Market Share (%) (2023) Major Innovations Strategic Focus
Hospira (Pfizer) 30 Liposomal Bupivacaine (EXPAREL) Long-acting formulations
Hikma Pharmaceuticals 20 New delivery systems Regional expansion
Teva Pharmaceuticals 15 Combination products Cost-effective formulations
Others 35 Generic versions, biosimilars Price competition

Market Projection and Future Opportunities

Projected Growth Factors

  • Innovation in Formulation: Liposomal and biodegradable delivery systems expected to capture significant market share.
  • Regulatory Approvals: Increased approvals for new indications and administration routes.
  • Geographic Expansion: Focus on emerging markets with expanding surgical needs.
  • Pain Management Trends: Growing emphasis on minimizing systemic toxicity.

Potential Challenges

  • Competition from alternative anesthetics (e.g., ropivacaine, lidocaine).
  • Safety concerns, notably cardiotoxicity at higher doses.
  • Cost considerations limiting adoption in certain markets.

Forecast Summary (2023–2028)

Scenario Market Size (USD) CAGR Comments
Conservative 1.6 billion 7.8% Limited innovation, slower adoption
Optimistic 2.0 billion 10.0% Rapid adoption of new formulations, regulatory support

Comparative Analysis: Bupivacaine versus Alternatives

Parameter Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Ropivacaine Lidocaine Liposomal Bupivacaine (EXPAREL)
Duration of Action 2-8 hours 2-6 hours 1-2 hours Up to 72 hours
Cardiotoxicity Risk Moderate Low Low Low
Cost Moderate Moderate Low High
Approved Uses Regional, nerve blocks Regional, nerve blocks Infiltration, topical Postoperative pain

Regulatory and Policy Landscape

Entity Policy Focus Impact Dates
FDA (US) Approvals for Long-acting formulations Accelerates market entry Continuous
EMA (Europe) Marketing authorizations Supports innovation Ongoing
WHO Essential medicines list Potential for broader access Pending

Conclusion

Bupivacaine Hydrochloride continues to sustain a vital role in regional and postoperative anesthesia. Ongoing clinical trials focus on enhancing safety profiles and improving delivery systems, which may expand its indications. The market is poised for steady growth driven by innovation, regulatory support, and broader clinical applications. Competitive pressures from alternative agents and formulations necessitate strategic investments in novel delivery technologies.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical trials are increasingly exploring long-acting and safer formulations, with positive outcomes supporting future approvals.
  • The global market is projected to reach approximately $2 billion by 2028, with a CAGR near 8-10% driven by technological innovations.
  • Liposomal Bupivacaine and other extended-release formulations are revolutionizing postoperative pain management.
  • Regional disparities exist, with North America leading technologically, and Asia-Pacific showing rapid growth potential.
  • Strategic focus should be on differentiating formulations, safety enhancements, and penetrating emerging markets.

FAQs

Q1: What are the recent advances in Bupivacaine Hydrochloride formulations?
Recent developments include liposomal sustained-release formulations (e.g., EXPAREL), biodegradable delivery systems, and combination therapies aimed at prolonging analgesia and reducing toxicity.

Q2: How do safety concerns affect Bupivacaine's market growth?
While effective, Bupivacaine’s risk of cardiotoxicity at high doses influences regulatory scrutiny and innovation toward safer formulations, impacting market dynamics but also creating opportunities for safer products.

Q3: What regulatory trends support Bupivacaine's expansion into new indications?
Regulatory agencies are approving extended-release and bioengineered formulations, with pathways favoring innovation to improve patient safety and efficacy.

Q4: Which geographical markets are fastest-growing for Bupivacaine products?
Asia-Pacific and Latin America show accelerated growth due to expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing surgical procedures, and regulatory improvements.

Q5: What are the key competitive strategies for pharmaceutical companies in this market?
Investment in novel delivery systems, clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy, strategic partnerships, and regulatory engagement are essential for capturing market share.


References

[1] ClinicalTrials.gov, 2023. “Bupivacaine trials,” accessed March 2023.
[2] GlobalData, 2023. “Pain Management Drugs: Market Analysis & Forecast,”
[3] FDA.gov, 2022. “Regulatory Approvals and Guidance on Bupivacaine Formulations,”
[4] McKinsey & Co., 2022. “Global Pain Management Market Outlook,”
[5] European Medicines Agency, 2023. “Regulatory Updates on Local Anesthetics,”

More… ↓

⤷  Start Trial

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.