Jesper Kjerulff

Project lead and COO

Role in PharmNovo: Global project lead.

Born: 1965

Education: MSc chemical engineering and PhD biotechology from Technical University of Denmark, BCom from Copenhagen Business School.

Other current appointments: None.

Work experience: Jesper is a very experienced pharma project leader with global experience across EU, US, China, Japan, and rest of world from early- as well as late-stage drug development projects and with significant experience from interactions with regulatory authorities such as EMA, FDA, PMDA, and CFDA.

For almost two decades, Jesper headed numerous global projects and large, global, cross-functional project teams at Lundbeck across the entire value chain and across small molecules and biologics. He was amongst others global project lead on successful development of Brintellix®/Trintellix® from pre-clinical development over phase I, II, and III clinical development and to registration and launch. Trintellix®/Brintellix® is today a globally launched blockbuster.

Holdings: None.

Member of:

Operational team

Latest news

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March 12, 2025

Positive FDA feedback for PN6047

PharmNovo 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.

Pioneering approach to treat neuropathic pain

February 26, 2025

Pioneering approach to treat neuropathic pain

PharmNovo has recently published an article in MedNous, highlighting the pioneering approach to tackling neuropathic pain without the risks traditionally associated with opioids. The lead candidate, PN6047, targets the delta-opioid receptor – offering pain relief without addiction or sedation. Arrangements for a Phase II trial have now been completed, marking a crucial step toward a safer alternative for millions suffering from chronic pain. With the opioid crisis still a major concern, innovative, non-addictive treatments like PN6047 are more urgent than ever.

PharmNovo live at neurology theme event at RedEye

October 25, 2024

PharmNovo live at neurology theme event at RedEye

Per von Mentzer, CEO, presented PN6047 at the Neurology Event at RedEye on October 23. Take the opportunity to listen to a very interesting live presentation and learn more about PN6047, the unique first-in-class phase II ready asset with break-through potential in treatment of neuropathic pain. PN6047 demonstrates safety and tolerability and a lack of the adverse effects commonly associated with conventional opioids. These findings suggest a promising path forward in the field of pain management.

October 10, 2024

PharmNovo at the LSX Nordic Congress

PharmNovo attended the LSX Nordic Congress in Copenhagen 8-9 October and Per von Mentzer, CEO presented PN6047, a unique first-in-class phase II ready asset with break-through potential in treatment of neuropathic pain. Being one of 68 companies that have recently been awarded by EIC for up to 17.5 MEUR (2.5 MEUR grant and up to 15 MEUR equity) from a total of 969 applicants is a strong validation of the potential of the phase II ready asset PN6047 and of PharmNovo. Take the opportunity to listen to the presentation here: