Our Science
To create a medicine
to treat diseases

of the nervous system
Our Mission
To improve people’s quality
of life
through innovative,
sustainable and effective pain relief

Therapeutic focus » Our Science

PN6047 – a unique mode of action

PharmNovo’s mission is to discover new, safe, and effective drugs to help patients suffering from neuropathic pain. We combine innovative chemistry and bioscience to discover new treatments for neuropathic pain and other diseases of the nervous system.

Our drug candidate PN6047 is an agonist, a  drug that binds to and activates a specific receptor. It is a potent, carefully developed, small molecule that selectively activates the delta (δ) opioid receptor (DOR).

PN6047 does not, like conventional opioids, affect the mu (μ) opioid receptor, which is known to provide adequate relief for acute pain, but also causes addiction and severe side effects, such as  respiratory depression, abuse potential, itching and constipation.

Activating the delta receptor does not provide acute pain relief - but it produces an excellent reversal of neuropathic pain in animal models.

The approach of  activating the delta receptor is entirely new. The underlying concept is to specifically activate the beneficial parts of the system while avoiding the type of activation that results in unwanted side effects.

Latest news

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July 8, 2025

Breaking new ground in pain management

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:

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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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