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Neurodexis11 Therapeutics: Neuroscience Startup Selected for Drive Accelerator Program

SOUTH CAROLINA – September 23, 2025 – Neurodexis11 Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing first-in-class Histone Deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) inhibitors to treat Alzheimer’s and other Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. Its lead candidate, PB151, is a selective, brain-penetrant and orally bioavailable compound that targets neuroinflammation and gene regulation — mechanisms not addressed by current therapies. Backed by strong translational data in Alzheimer’s models and human cells, Neurodexis11 is advancing toward Investigational New Drug-enabling studies to deliver an accessible, disease-modifying therapy. Operating at the intersection of neuroscience, epigenetics and drug development, Neurodexis11 is positioned within the rapidly growing neurotherapeutics industry.

Solutions

Neurodexis11 has developed a top-tier therapeutic platform targeting HDAC11, an epigenetic regulator linked to neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s pathology. The key compound, PB151, is a highly selective HDAC11 inhibitor designed to deliver disease-modifying effects without the toxicity of broad-spectrum HDAC drugs. By reducing inflammatory cytokines, improving cognition in preclinical models and enabling biomarker-driven patient selection, PB151 offers a novel non-amyloid approach to Alzheimer’s therapy. This solution addresses a significant gap in the CNS drug development landscape, with potential to expand across multiple neuroinflammatory diseases.

Strengths

  • First-In-Class Approach: Selective, brain-penetrant HDAC11 inhibitor platform targeting neuroinflammation and gene regulation in Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Validated Science: Demonstrated efficacy in multiple Alzheimer’s models, reduced human cytokines and a Positron Emission Tomography biomarker strategy for clinical translation.
  • Differentiated Safety Profile: Precision design minimizes off-target HDAC activity and toxicity, supported by knockout and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity data.
  • Scalable Platform: Strong intellectual property foundation with potential expansion into Parkinson’s, chronic pain and oncology.

Meet the Co-Founders

From left to right:

Darcy Tocci, MBA, Pharm.D. | Chief Executive Officer

Yueyang Zhang, MBBS | Chief Operating Officer

Changning Wang, Ph.D. | Academic Advisor

Martin (Can) Zhang, MD, Ph.D. | Academic Advisor

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.