Therapeutic focus

MEDICAL OVERVIEW

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Therapeutic focus » Medical overview

Superior properties treating neuropathic pain

PharmNovo aims to develop novel drugs with superior clinical properties to treat patients with neuropathic pain using our knowledge and experience in drug design and G protein-coupled receptor pharmacology. Our specific pharmacological target is the delta opioid receptor (DOR).

Chronic neuropathic pain can occur after trauma or from some diseases, including viral infection,  and diabetes, resulting in pain that does not resolve. This kind of pain has no survival value and, indeed, results in a real reduction in sufferers’ quality of life.

PharmNovo’s primary goal is to target the multiple disease areas of chronic neuropathic pain and the commonly associated conditions of anxiety and depression. However, there are other evidence-based therapeutic targets, including post-surgical and cancer pain, migraine, pruritus (itch) and chronic cough. These disease areas have mechanistic commonalities susceptible to the company’s novel approach to drug discovery.

PharmNovo’s development strategy initially focuses on sensory hypersensitivity conditions, such as neuropathic pain with mechanical allodynia  which is a   hard-to-treat component I of many  neuropathic pain states. This condition can be studied clinically with more objective measures (quantitative sensory testing)  in addition to the commonly applied subjective approaches (patient-reported outcomes) used in trials of other chronic pain medicines.

Neuropathic pain

  • Neuropathic pain, also called nerve pain, occurs when a health condition affects the nerves that carry sensations to your brain.
  • Neuropathic pain is characterized by abnormal hypersensitivity to stimuli, including  allodynia, a condition in which pain is caused by a stimulus that does not usually elicit pain.
  • Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or disease affecting the sensory system. About 30% of all neuropathic pain happens because of diabetes.
  • Neuropathic pain is usually chronic; the body just sends pain signals to your brain unprompted. Neuropathic pain tends to get worse over time.
  • Most of the available treatments for neuropathic pain have only moderate efficacy and produce side effects that limit their use; therefore, there is a great need for new therapeutic approaches.

Latest news

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July 1, 2025

CTA submission for PN6047

PharmNovo 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.

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May 19, 2025

PharmNovo at the LSX World Congress in London

Take 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.

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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.

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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.

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