Heron Therapeutics’ Zynrelef included in 2025 Non-Opioid Policy for Pain Relief

Heron Therapeutics’ Zynrelef is included in the proposed 2025 Non-Opioid Policy for Pain Relief under the Medicare hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System – OPPS – and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center – ASC – payment system as a qualifying product effective April 1, 2025. Under the Proposed Rule, Zynrelef qualified based on its postoperative pain indication and potential to reduce or eliminate the need for opioids. The Proposed Rule’s April 1, 2025 effective date for Zynrelef is expected to allow Zynrelef to continue to maintain separate reimbursement in the HOPD and ASC settings without disruption. Additionally, for calendar year 2025, CMS proposed that payments for qualifying drugs, like Zynrelef , will not be reduced by an offset which means Medicare payments will remain at average sales price plus 6%. Given the significant influence of CMS policy on other payer policies, Heron expects that most commercial payers will follow suit.