Novel mas receptor agonists for chronic neuropathic pain and vascular dementia
ProNeurogen's lead compounds (PNA1, PNA5, PNA6) are rationally designed Mas receptor agonists that inhibit inflammatory pathways in the brain and cerebrovasculature. PNA5 targets chronic neuropathic pain and vascular cognitive impairment. IND-enabling studies are complete, with Phase 1a/b clinical trials planned for 2024.
Overview
ProNeurogen is advancing a pipeline of rationally designed drug candidates (PNA1, PNA5, and PNA6) that act as agonists of the angiotensin-(1-7) Mas receptor. These compounds target inflammatory pathways in both the brain and the cerebrovasculature that contribute to chronic neuropathic pain and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). By activating the Mas receptor on both sides of the blood-brain barrier, the candidates address two significant unmet medical needs with a single mechanistic approach: chronic pain relief and protection of cognitive function.
Technical specifications
Mechanism of action:
- The Mas receptor pathway is a natural inhibitor of brain inflammation, making it a logical drug target
- The Mas receptor is expressed on neurons, microglia, and vascular endothelial cells
- Activation of the Mas receptor decreases reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory mechanisms
- Activation increases cerebral circulation and decreases microglial activation
- The result is chronic pain relief combined with cognitive function protection
Pipeline positioning:
- PNA5 is positioned as a complement to angiotensin type 2 receptor antagonists in the neuropathic pain space
- The compounds are based on technology developed at the University of Arizona
- ProNeurogen, founded in 2013, holds exclusive license rights to the underlying technology
Technology readiness level
IND-enabling studies have been completed. Phase 1a/b clinical trials for PNA5 in chronic pain and vascular dementia/mixed dementia are planned to begin in 2024. ProNeurogen is seeking investment to advance PNA5 through pivotal Phase 2 clinical trials, with subsequent plans for either an IPO or sale of the asset to pursue FDA approval.
About University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a comprehensive public research university in Tucson serving a broad research enterprise and statewide impact. Industry collaborates through Tech Parks Arizona, which operates the UA Tech Park at Rita Road and UA Tech Park at The Bridges alongside the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, providing co-located office and lab space with scale-up environments. Partnership with Banner – University Medicine links researchers to major clinical sites, while the region’s Optics Valley cluster and park-based testbeds such as the Solar Zone support prototyping and validation in desert conditions. Faculty secure competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, NASA, and USDA. A dedicated commercialization office, Tech Launch Arizona, supports IP strategy, licensing, and startup formation.
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