Role in PharmNovo: Scientific advisor.
Hospital: Imperial College London.
Resumé: He received his medical degree from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School (University of London) in 1982 and his research doctorate from St. Thomas’ Hospital Medical School (UMDS, University of London) in 1991. He underwent his specialist clinical training mainly in Oxford and at St Thomas’ Hospital. His research programme covers both laboratory and clinical research. The focus is on neuropathic pain in the context of infectious diseases, diabetic neuropathy and peripheral nerve trauma. The group is predominantly funded by grants from the Wellcome Trust, NC3Rs, European Commission and National Institute for Health Research.
In the clinical research domain: Andrew leads a programme of deep profiling studies mainly in patients with HIV neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, leprosy and diabetic neuropathy. He has for many years been active in clinical trial design, conduct and interpretation and also in synthesising clinical evidence by means of meta-analyses. A recent success was his key role in the successful pre-clinical and early clinical development of the Angiotensin II type 2 receptor antagonist EMA401 as a “first in class” analgesic for neuropathic pain. He is a Councillor of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and he has held a number of positions on the Executive Committee of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). He serves on the British Pain Society Council was a member of the Founding Board of the Faculty of Pain Medicine at the Royal College of Anaesthetists. He is an author of more than 160 scientific publications, many of which are in the major specialist journal in the field (PAIN).
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Breaking new ground in pain management In the latest episode of BioBizBuzz, PharmNovo CEO Per von Mentzer sits down with host Mike Ward to discuss how we’re tackling one of modern medicine’s most urgent challenges: finding effective, non-addictive treatments for chronic and neuropathic pain. The conversation highlights the development of our lead candidate PN6047, a selective delta-opioid receptor agonist designed to deliver strong pain relief without the addiction risks or sedation associated with traditional opioids. Per shares insights into the scientific rationale, clinical potential, and why neuropathic pain—often caused by nerve damage from conditions like diabetes or chemotherapy—demands new thinking. For anyone interested in neuroscience, biotech innovation, or the future of pain management, this episode offers a glimpse into what could become a paradigm shift in treatment. Listen to the full episode here:
Read morePharmNovo AB is pleased to announce that the clinical trial application (CTA) for a Phase IIa proof of concept (PoC) study investigating the safety and efficacy of lead candidate PN6047 in patients with neuropathic pain has been submitted in Spain. The full title of the application is: “Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Trial of the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of PN6047 HCl in Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Characterized by Mechanical Allodynia.” Based on a strategic company decision, PharmNovo has submitted the CTA, in the first instance, to the Spanish Health Authorities only. Submission to the Czech Republic and Poland, the two other countries in which the trial will be conducted, is planned to take place following approval in Spain, which is expected by October 2025. Subject to additional investment, patient enrolment is expected to start by Quarter 1 2026.
Read moreTake the opportunity to listen to Per von Mentzer, CEO, presenting PN6047 at the LSX World Congress in April 2025 in London. PharmNovo is redefining pain management with PN6047, a first-in-class Delta Opioid Receptor Agonist (DORA), safer, non-addictive solution for neuropathic pain. Unlike traditional opioids, PN6047 eliminates concerns of side effects, abuse potential, and tolerance. With a proven safety profile from Phase I trials and a market projected to exceed EUR 13 billion by 2033, PN6047 is set to be a game-changer.
Read morePharmNovo has received positive and constructive feedback from the FDA for its lead drug candidate, PN6047, a selective delta opioid receptor agonist aimed at treating peripheral neuropathy with allodynia. Following a successful pre-IND meeting in January 2025, the FDA provided valuable guidance on the Phase IIa study design and had no critical comments on the CMC or non-clinical data. This paves the way for IND submission by the end of 2025 and a Phase IIa clinical trial application in Europe (Spain, Poland, Czech Republic) by Q3 2025.
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