What Knoa Pharma does

Knoa Pharma LLC is a U.S.-based, public health-focused pharmaceutical company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, that emerged from Purdue Pharma's Chapter 11 bankruptcy and began operations on May 1, 2026. The company is 100% owned by the not-for-profit Knoa Foundation, operates under two independent boards with an independent monitor, and is subject to an operating injunction that restricts promotion of opioid products. Knoa manufactures and distributes a portfolio of FDA-approved medicines spanning abuse-deterrent opioid analgesics (OxyContin, Hysingla ER, Butrans), overdose reversal agents (Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection and the Zurnai nalmefene auto-injector approved August 2024), generic buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets (via the Rhodes Pharmaceuticals subsidiary), and an over-the-counter nasal naloxone product. Its investigational pipeline includes two first-in-class assets: Tinostamustine, an alkylating-HDAC inhibitor with FDA Orphan Drug Designation currently in Phase II through the GBM AGILE trial for glioblastoma, and Sunobinop (V117957), a selective NOP receptor partial agonist in Phase II/III-ready development for insomnia, alcohol use disorder, interstitial cystitis, and overactive bladder.

The company's revenue model is a hybrid of traditional branded pharmaceutical sales through an authorized distributor network and no-profit public-health distribution. Public-health products — nalmefene for overdose reversal and buprenorphine/naloxone supplied to state and local correctional facilities at one penny per tablet through a partnership with MMCAP — are sold at or below cost. Branded opioid analgesics continue to be distributed through authorized wholesalers with a customer-service operation, medical information line, and medical science liaison field coverage supporting healthcare professionals, hospitals, emergency departments, and correctional facilities. Knoa also operates investigator-initiated research programs (including a collaboration with UC San Diego Health and El Centro Regional Medical Center on nalmefene use in emergency departments) and community-centered opioid abatement programs such as Project Persevere and Project RenewAL in partnership with the Helios Alliance and the Alabama Attorney General's office.

The customer base is segmented across public-health/government programs, healthcare professionals, correctional facilities, patients and caregivers, and pain-management patients. The company is governed as a public-mission entity: all business value is directed toward supporting opioid abatement efforts across the United States rather than private profit, and the operating injunction independently constrains marketing of opioid products. Knoa reports a headcount in the 501–1,000 range across its Stamford headquarters and its Wilson, North Carolina operating subsidiaries (Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC, Knoa Pharmaceutical Products LLC, and Knoa Pharmaceuticals LLC).

Name

Knoa Pharma

Legal name

Knoa Pharma LLC

Website

https://knoapharma.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2026

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Knoa Pharma is a U.S. pharmaceutical company, 100% owned by the nonprofit Knoa Foundation, that manufactures and distributes FDA-approved opioid analgesics, overdose reversal agents, and generics while advancing a non-opioid pipeline, operating under an injunction restricting opioid promotion.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Pharmaceuticals

NAICS

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (42421)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122)

akta.pro primary industry

Pharmacovigilance, Medication Safety & Controlled Substance Diversion Monitoring (HLAFALAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Medication Disposal, Returns & Safety (Sharps/Take-Back) (HSABALAN)

Keywords

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Opioid analgesics
• Overdose reversal medications
• Opioid use disorder treatment
• Generic pharmaceuticals

Headquarters

HQ city

Stamford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Product Sales: Traditional pharmaceutical revenue through manufacturing and distributing FDA-approved medications including opioid analgesics (OxyContin, Hysingla ER, Butrans), overdose reversal agents (nalmefene), and opioid use disorder treatments. Products are sold through authorized distributors and directly to healthcare facilities.
2. Public Health Products (At Cost): Overdose reversal medicines and opioid use disorder treatments are provided at or below cost of production with no profit, consistent with the company's public health mission and nonprofit ownership structure.
3. Generics Portfolio: Robust generics portfolio including buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets distributed at minimal cost to correctional facilities through government partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Knoa Pharma manufactures and distributes FDA-approved pharmaceutical medicines including opioid analgesics (OxyContin, Hysingla ER, Butrans), overdose reversal agents (Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection, Zurnai auto-injector), and generic opioid use disorder treatments (buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets). The company also advances an investigational pipeline of first-in-class non-opioid candidates including Tinostamustine for glioblastoma and Sunobinop for insomnia, alcohol use disorder, and urological conditions. As the successor to Purdue Pharma following a $7.4 billion bankruptcy settlement, Knoa Pharma is 100% owned by the non-profit Knoa Foundation and operates under a public health mandate, providing overdose reversal and opioid use disorder treatments at or below cost.

Product overview

Knoa Pharma is a public health-focused pharmaceutical company that emerged from Purdue Pharma's Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2026. The company manufactures and distributes FDA-approved medicines including opioid analgesics (Butrans, Hysingla ER, OxyContin) and overdose reversal agents (Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection, Zurnai Auto-Injector), while providing generic buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid use disorder treatment at minimal cost. The company operates a pipeline of investigational medicines including Tinostamustine (alkylating-HDAC inhibitor for glioblastoma) and Sunobinop (NOP receptor agonist for insomnia, alcohol use disorder, interstitial cystitis, and overactive bladder). All business value is directed toward supporting opioid abatement efforts. The company is 100% owned by the not-for-profit Knoa Foundation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Zurnai: Nalmefene injection auto-injector for emergency treatment of opioid overdose
• Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection
• Butrans
• Hysingla ER
• OxyContin

Products and services

• OxyContin (oxycodone HCl) Extended-Release Tablets CII Extended-release oxycodone formulation for management of severe pain requiring daily, around-the-clock opioid treatment, featuring abuse-deterrent formulation technology. Distributed through authorized pharmaceutical channels to healthcare providers and pharmacies.
• Hysingla ER (hydrocodone bitartrate) Extended-Release Tablets CII Extended-release opioid analgesic tablet with abuse-deterrent properties for management of severe pain requiring daily around-the-clock opioid treatment. Distributed through authorized pharmaceutical channels.
• Butrans (buprenorphine) Transdermal System CIII Transdermal opioid analgesic patch delivering buprenorphine through the skin over a 7-day period for management of chronic pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock opioid treatment.
• Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection FDA-approved opioid antagonist injectable (2mg/2mL) for complete or partial reversal of opioid drug effects including respiratory depression, suitable for overdoses involving long-acting opioids such as fentanyl. Available in vial form for IV, IM, and SC administration. Made available at or below cost consistent with Knoa Pharma's public health mission.
• Zurnai (nalmefene injection) Auto-Injector The first and only nalmefene auto-injector, FDA-approved for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Delivers 1.5mg/0.5mL of nalmefene intramuscularly or subcutaneously and is designed for use by anyone in the community. Made available at or below cost.
• Buprenorphine/Naloxone Sublingual Tablets Generic equivalent to Suboxone, indicated for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. Provided to state and local correctional facilities at one penny per tablet through MMCAP partnership to expand access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder.
• Over-the-Counter Nasal Naloxone (Public Health Initiative) Over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray for emergency treatment of opioid overdose, no prescription required. Distributed at or below cost as part of Knoa Pharma's public health initiative to expand access to lifesaving overdose reversal medicines.

Quantifiable outcome

• Millions of buprenorphine/naloxone tablets distributed to correctional facilities across multiple states supporting MOUD programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• GATC Health (Dr. Rahul Gupta)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026Dr. Rahul Gupta, President of GATC Health and former Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, appointed to Knoa Foundation Board of Trustees. Represents strategic connection to public health policy expertise and data-driven health technology approaches.
• Helios Alliance / Alabama Attorney General Steve MarshallminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026Working relationship with Helios Alliance deploying opioid settlement funds through Project Persevere and Project RenewAL, a data-driven community-centered model. The program has served over 9,200 individuals as of March 2026 in opioid abatement efforts.
• MMCAP (Multistate Government Group Purchasing Organization)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2026Partnership to provide generic buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets to state and local correctional facilities at one penny per tablet. This pricing model enables facilities to initiate, sustain, or expand MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder) programs, supporting recovery for populations at elevated risk of overdose mortality following incarceration. The initiative has supported distribution of millions of tablets across multiple states.
• UC San Diego Health and El Centro Regional Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2024Collaborative research partnership conducting retrospective observational study of electronic health records to assess utilization of nalmefene HCl injection for treatment of known or suspected acute opioid toxicity in emergency department settings. Study evaluated dosages associated with reversals, patient outcomes, hospital admission rates, and frequency of precipitated withdrawal symptoms.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Emergent BioSolutions: Emergent BioSolutions owns the Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray franchise and is the dominant supplier of community opioid overdose reversal products. Direct competitor to Knoa Pharma's Zurnai auto-injector in the public health opioid overdose reversal category.
• Indivior: Indivior is a global pharmaceutical company focused on opioid use disorder treatment with leading buprenorphine-based products including Suboxone, Sublocade, and Opvee. Highly comparable to Knoa Pharma in OUD focus, public health positioning, and buprenorphine/naloxone product overlap.
• Alkermes: Alkermes is a CNS-focused specialty pharmaceutical company that markets Vivitrol (naltrexone) for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder, directly competing with Knoa Pharma's buprenorphine/naloxone products. Comparable in addiction treatment focus, specialty pharma positioning, and pipeline depth.
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals: Hikma is a leading generic pharmaceutical manufacturer with significant exposure to controlled substances including generic opioids and addiction treatments. Comparable to Knoa Pharma through its generics portfolio, controlled substance manufacturing capabilities, and US distribution network via West-Ward.
• Collegium Pharmaceutical: Collegium specializes in responsible pain management with abuse-deterrent formulations including Xtampza ER and Nucynta, plus the recently-acquired Braeburn buprenorphine implant franchise. Direct competitor to Knoa Pharma in abuse-deterrent opioid analgesics and OUD treatment.
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals: Amneal is a major US-based generic and specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer with a broad generics portfolio and growing branded specialty business. Comparable to Knoa Pharma in generics portfolio scale, controlled substance manufacturing, and US distribution footprint.
• Rhodes Pharmaceuticals: Rhodes Pharmaceuticals is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Knoa Pharma focused on generic pharmaceutical products including the buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets distributed to correctional facilities. Included as a peer for transparency, as it operates as a separate commercial entity within the Knoa corporate structure.
• Adapt Pharma: Adapt Pharma developed and commercialized Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray before being acquired by Emergent BioSolutions in 2018. Direct historical peer in the community opioid overdose reversal category, with comparable public health mission positioning and layperson-friendly product design.

Broad incumbents

• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries: Teva is one of the largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturers globally with a US generics business that overlaps with Knoa Pharma's generics portfolio. Broad incumbent with comparable controlled substance and pain management generics, though operating at significantly larger scale.
• Mallinckrodt: Mallinckrodt is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a portfolio spanning pain management (including branded and generic opioids), addiction treatment, and hospital injectables. Comparable to Knoa Pharma across multiple therapeutic areas including the contested opioid franchise, though operating on a much broader commercial scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/knoapharma

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Knoa Pharma