The US National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) has funded a project investigating the drug candidate PN6047 from PharmNovo as a potential treatment for opioid withdrawal syndrome. PN6047, a novel and highly selective Delta Opioid Receptor Agonist (DORA), represents a unique approach to addressing this medical challenge.
The persistent challenge of opioid addiction, involving substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone, remains a significant public health concern both in the United States and globally. A key obstacle in addressing this addiction crisis is the management of withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms include intensified pain, nausea, excessive sweating, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Often resembling a severe flu, these symptoms can be life-threatening, and the fear of experiencing these symptoms contributes to opioid users’ reluctance to stop taking their drug.
Dr. Emily Jutkiewicz is a co-PI on the grant