Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is a

The ADDF also publishes peer-reviewed scientific articles with the goal of accelerating and improving Alzheimer's disease drug discovery research.[10]^[11][12]

Funding model

The ADDF is a biomedical venture philanthropy. Many of its grants are structured as investments, providing a return that is reinvested in new drug research. After initial ADDF funding, grantees have received commitments of over $2 billion^[13] in follow-on funding from government, pharmaceutical companies and venture capital firms to further advance drug research.

ADDF programs

Through its programs, the ADDF has invested close to $65 million to fund nearly 450 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs and clinical trials in academic centers and biotechnology companies in 18 countries.^[14] From 2000 to 2004, the ADDF provided seed funding for Amyvid,^[15] the first FDA-approved diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease.

Preclinical Drug Discovery

The ADDF's

Through PACT, the ADDF is funding a number of "repurposing"[18] clinical trials, whereby drugs developed for other indications (e.g., diabetes) are tested for their effectiveness in Alzheimer's disease. Because these drugs have already passed significant safety tests, the risk of failure is reduced and, if pharmaceuticals are found to be effective in Alzheimer's patients, they can be brought more rapidly to market.

Partnership Programs

The ADDF partners^[16] with family foundations, government, non-profit organization, the pharmaceutical industry and corporate organizations to leverage collective funding power.

Scientific Conferences

The ADDF hosts, sponsors and attends a number of scientific conferences,^[19] including the International Conference on Alzheimer's Drug Discovery^[20] and the Drug Discovery for Neurodegeneration Conference.^[21] The ADDF also organizes advisory panels focused on key issues surrounding drug discovery and development for Alzheimer's.

ADDF ACCESS

The ADDF's ACCESS

Cognitive Vitality

The ADDF's microsite, Cognitive Vitality,^[23] provide evidence-based answers to pressing questions about healthy brain aging. Resources include:

• Expert ratings of scientific evidence for and against suggested cognitive vitality strategies including: health management and drugs; nutrition and supplements; and environmental and physical considerations
• Practical information on safety, efficacy and drug dosage
• Digestible translations of scientific findings

Events

Every year, the ADDF hosts a series of events to raise awareness and funds to support Alzheimer's research and drug development. They include:

• The Great Ladies Fashion Show and Luncheon,
  Carolina Herrera
  .
• The Connoisseur's Dinner,^[25] an evening of art and wine celebrating scientific progress in Alzheimer's research.
• The Fall Symposium and Luncheon,^[26] a luncheon and learning event featuring a keynote speech or panel highlighting progress in cognitive decline research and drug development.

References