Request for Proposals: Novel Approaches to Drug Discovery for Alzheimer’s Disease

Request for Proposals: Novel Approaches to Drug Discovery for Alzheimer’s Disease

ADDF funds drug discovery research programs from domestic and international investigators in academia and biotechnology companies. In addition, ADDF initiates, sponsors, and co-sponsors conferences to stimulate new ideas and approaches in areas of interest to the Foundation, bringing together physicians, scientists, and policy makers worldwide.

As a biomedical venture philanthropy, ADDF seeks to fill the critical translational funding gap between basic research and later stage drug development. We fund high risk, early stage drug discovery and development projects and catalyze scientists to enter the drug discovery field. We have adapted the operating model and principles of venture capital investing to our philanthropic mission in biomedical research. We help to create new biotechnology companies, and to fund early stage biotechnology companies, with programs dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease drug discovery. We seek a return on investment for all of our grants based on the achievement of scientific milestones. When these milestones are met, funds return to the Foundation to increase our ability to support more research.

ADDF FUNDING PROGRAMS
• ADDF Academic Drug Discovery and Development Program seeks to create and support innovative translational programs for Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias and cognitive aging in academic medical centers and universities. Biomarker development studies and innovative proof of concept pilot clinical trials of new approaches to treatment, prevention and early detection are also supported.

• ADDF Biotechnology Development Program supports qualified scientific projects in existing, private, early-stage biotechnology companies. ADDF will provide support for qualified projects in more advanced companies if a clear need for non-profit funding to support the project can be demonstrated and justified.

• ADDF Biotechnology Founders Technology Transfer Program supports academic programs that are eligible for technology transfer and the start-up of new biotechnology companies. Up to 35% of funds from these awards may be employed for expenses related to company formation, such as administrative, legal, patent and third-party vendor costs.

RESEARCH FUNDING PRIORITIES
• Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive aging: ADDF supports drug discovery and drug development efforts towards novel treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and cognitive decline associated with aging. These may include disease modifying agents for preventing or delaying progression as well as cognitive enhancers. ADDF provides funding for target validation and proof-of-concept studies, high throughput screening of chemical libraries, lead discovery and optimization, rational medicinal chemistry, and pre-clinical drug development. ADDF also supports small proof-of principle clinical research studies.

• Early detection and prevention: ADDF supports the development of biomarkers, such as advanced brain imaging technologies, CSF and blood tests for the early detection of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. ADDF also supports clinical research projects to improve early detection of cognitive impairment through population-based approaches that can impact large numbers of individuals at risk.

GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Grant applications are usually solicited by private invitation. Unsolicited proposals are also accepted, but inquiries with ADDF staff are encouraged to determine the Foundation’s interest prior to application. ADDF provides support for 1 year of research with potential for future follow-on funding. We seek successful long-term partnerships with investigators and research organizations.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Full application guidelines and further information can be found on our website (www.alzdiscovery.org). All applicants are required to complete an electronic "Letter of Intent" (LOI) available on our website. After review of the LOI, we may invite a full application via email with a link to the electronic application form. ADDF will attempt to make a determination of interest within 90 days of receipt of the application.

ADDF accepts grant applications for the “General Request for Proposals” research award programs throughout the year (2010 deadlines for full proposals are January 7, April 1, July 1, and October 1).

If you would like to contact the Foundation, please call (212) 935-2402, or contact us by regular mail at the following address:

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation
1414 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1502
New York, NY 10019