Meet Jesper Kjerulff, Chief operations officer and Global project lead
With a wealth of experience in pharmaceutical development at prominent drug companies, Jesper Kjerulff is a seasoned expert who has been at the forefront of every aspect, stage, and facet of the drug development process. His international background spans the EU, the US, China, and Japan, covering regulatory approvals, in-licensing, contract negotiations, governance structures within major drug development partnerships, and the leadership of large, global, cross-functional project teams.
"I have a deep understanding of what it takes to bring a drug from concept to market, including the potential pitfalls. I believe this knowledge is of substantial value to PharmNovo," says Jesper Kjernulff.
As Chief operating officer and Project lead for PN6047, Jesper oversees the entire project. His primary focus is creating value, strategically managing risks and front-loading activities that will be valuable in the long run.
Before joining PharmNovo, Jesper Kjerulff held influential positions at Lundbeck, where he spearheaded numerous global projects. One of his accomplishments was overseeing the successful development of the antidepressant drug Brintellix®/Trintellix®, which seamlessly progressed from pre-clinical development to global registration and launch, transforming patients' lives worldwide. Jesper envisions a similar trajectory for PN6047.
"I hope and believe our drug candidate will revolutionise the treatment of neuropathic pain, set new standards, and help millions of people who suffer.".
While the realisation of this vision may be years away, Jesper has meticulously charted a roadmap. In the short term, over the next 2–3 years, PharmNovo aims to demonstrate PN6047's efficacy in reducing neuropathic pain. In the medium term, spanning 5–8 years, he believes PharmNovo, likely in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical partner, will illustrate that PN6047 fundamentally differs from conventional opioids.
"Our goal is to overcome the stigma surrounding opioids and gain approval for PN6047's use in treating neuropathic pain."
When asked about the key factors behind his belief in PN6047's success, Jesper emphasises the critical role of the team. The team, he asserts, cannot compensate for an ineffective drug, but given a potent drug, the team's expertise and dedication will be the driving force of success.
"PharmNovo's crowning achievement is assembling a team of 14 individuals, each bringing a unique blend of experience, dedication, responsibility, enthusiasm, collaboration, and competence".
As PharmNovo works to relieve the suffering of individuals with chronic pain, Jesper Kjerulff plays a vital role within the company. His objective is clear:
"I aim to make a difference. Not for personal recognition but to improve the world in a responsible way. My goal is to drive progress, solve problems, and create meaningful results".
Meet Jesper Kjerulff, Chief operations officer and Global project lead
With a wealth of experience in pharmaceutical development at prominent drug companies, Jesper Kjerulff is a seasoned expert who has been at the forefront of every aspect, stage, and facet of the drug development process. His international background spans the EU, the US, China, and Japan, covering regulatory approvals, in-licensing, contract negotiations, governance structures within major drug development partnerships, and the leadership of large, global, cross-functional project teams.
"I have a deep understanding of what it takes to bring a drug from concept to market, including the potential pitfalls. I believe this knowledge is of substantial value to PharmNovo," says Jesper Kjernulff.
As Chief operating officer and Project lead for PN6047, Jesper oversees the entire project. His primary focus is creating value, strategically managing risks and front-loading activities that will be valuable in the long run.
Before joining PharmNovo, Jesper Kjerulff held influential positions at Lundbeck, where he spearheaded numerous global projects. One of his accomplishments was overseeing the successful development of the antidepressant drug Brintellix®/Trintellix®, which seamlessly progressed from pre-clinical development to global registration and launch, transforming patients' lives worldwide. Jesper envisions a similar trajectory for PN6047.
"I hope and believe our drug candidate will revolutionise the treatment of neuropathic pain, set new standards, and help millions of people who suffer.".
While the realisation of this vision may be years away, Jesper has meticulously charted a roadmap. In the short term, over the next 2–3 years, PharmNovo aims to demonstrate PN6047's efficacy in reducing neuropathic pain. In the medium term, spanning 5–8 years, he believes PharmNovo, likely in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical partner, will illustrate that PN6047 fundamentally differs from conventional opioids.
"Our goal is to overcome the stigma surrounding opioids and gain approval for PN6047's use in treating neuropathic pain."
When asked about the key factors behind his belief in PN6047's success, Jesper emphasises the critical role of the team. The team, he asserts, cannot compensate for an ineffective drug, but given a potent drug, the team's expertise and dedication will be the driving force of success.
"PharmNovo's crowning achievement is assembling a team of 14 individuals, each bringing a unique blend of experience, dedication, responsibility, enthusiasm, collaboration, and competence".
As PharmNovo works to relieve the suffering of individuals with chronic pain, Jesper Kjerulff plays a vital role within the company. His objective is clear:
"I aim to make a difference. Not for personal recognition but to improve the world in a responsible way. My goal is to drive progress, solve problems, and create meaningful results".
Latest news
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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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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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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.
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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:
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