Neuronex, Inc. is a focused, specialty pharmaceuticalco company that develops and commercializes drugs to treat central nervous system diseases and disorders. Neuronex is based in Morrisville, NC., on the edge of Research Triangle Park. For more information, visit www.neuronexinc.com.

CED strives to create programs and events that help entrepreneurs at every stage of their business succeed. Moise Khayrallah, Ph.D., took full advantage of the tools and networking opportunities available to him as a CED member and has been wildly successful over the past few years.

With a background in pharmaceutical drug development and experience in planning, development and fundraising, Khayrallah and his business partner developed the concept and technology for an original product, but had not actually formed a business.

Through participation in CED conferences and events, Khayrallah became familiar with the FastTrac® TechVenture™ program. He and his partner decided to attend the course in hopes of learning the business side of drug development and research, particularly business formation instruction, business plan development, and how to create an investor pitch. Within a year of completing the FastTrac® TechVenture™ course, they incorporated Addrenex, a drug development company pertaining to adrenergic system complications.

Khayrallah explains that the program gave them insight into the steps and challenges inherent in starting a business. The course prepared them for successfully securing grants, forming lucrative business partnerships to support development rather than relying on venture capital for funding and even team-building between Khayrallah and his business partner.

Overall, Khayrallah recommends that other entrepreneurs attend the FastTrac® TechVenture™ as early as possible and that graduates of this course would benefit from becoming involved in other CED programs, as well.

In 2009, Addrennex was acquired for $29 million. “Our initial business plan called for bringing innovative drugs to market and enabling our investors to achieve a positive return. I am proud to say that we have achieved our goals through this acquisition,” says Khayrallah.

Now President, CEO and co-founder of Neuronex, Inc., Khayrallah continues to use the tools he acquired in the FastTrac® TechVenture™ course. He recently announced that Neuronex raised $1.5 million in venture capital financing and a $250,000 small business loan from the N.C. Biotechnology Center to develop experimental drugs fro central nervous system diseases.