Our Mission
The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is the only public charity solely dedicated to rapidly accelerating the discovery and development of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias and cognitive aging.
We raise and award funds to academic and biotechnology scientists conducting drug discovery research in this field.
ADDF uses a venture philanthropy model to bridge the worldwide funding gap between basic research and later-stage development, using any return on investment to support new research.
Our History
In 1998, the Estée Lauder family established the Institute for the Study of Aging (ISOA), a private foundation, using a venture philanthropy model. The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is an outgrowth of the ISOA and creates the opportunity for like-minded philanthropists to participate in research for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Since its inception, our organization has identified and participated in some of the most groundbreaking scientific programs in Alzheimer’s research currently in progress.
A few of our most notable projects:
- In only our first decade, we have awarded $33 million for 240 research programs and conferences in 12 countries.
- In 2006, ADDF created the Fund for Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery, a philanthropic venture. Contributors will receive a pro rata return on investment when scientists reach contractual milestones and may designate ADDF or another non-profit to receive the return.
- In 2005, ADDF launched Novel Approaches to Drug Discovery for Alzheimer’s Disease in collaboration with Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The program identifies and funds promising research in academic and biotech labs around the world. Thus far, Elan has committed $2 million for the program.
- In 2002, the Biotechnology Founder’s Program awarded $500,000 to its first recipient, Zapaq, Inc. (now CoMentis, Inc.) to develop beta secretase inhibitors to prevent amyloid deposits. Since our initial investment, CoMentis, Inc. has subsequently attracted more than $8 million in additional funding commitments.