The mission of the ADDF is to accelerate drug discovery to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and cognitive aging. The information below provides some useful resources for scientists and companies in various stages of the drug discovery or development processes. To provide accurate information, some background has been provided directly from the company websites, all of which are provided.
Quick links: Knowledge Resources | Scientific Publications | Industry Organizations | Technology Transfer & Licensing | Funding
Knowledge Resources:
Alzheimer Research Forum
The website provides scientific reports, new updates, a discussion forum, and a database of research data in order to “promote debate, speed the dissemination of new ideas, and break down barriers across the numerous disciplines that can contribute to the global effort to cure Alzheimer’s disease.”
Faster Cures – The Center for Accelerating Medical Solutions
“A nonprofit think tank and catalyst for action that works across sectors and diseases to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the medical research enterprise.” Their programs include: TRAIN - The Research Acceleration and Innovation Network, Philanthropy Advice Service, Partnering for Cures, and Patients Helping Doctors.
Partnering for Cures
Provide partnering opportunities and meetings for people and organizations to connect. Research foundations, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies present to potential funders, simplifying the identification and meeting process of partnering. Allows for the scheduling of on-site, day-of meetings.
Neuroscience Information Network (NIF)
A community based, online gateway to neuroscience resources. Contributors add their own resource information and can search public research data through the open source, networked site. To register your resource, go to: neuinfo.org/cindy/nominate.html
New York Academy of Sciences
With members in over 140 countries, this organization provides a global community of scientists. “One of the oldest scientific organizations in the United States, the Academy has become not only a notable and enduring cultural institution in New York City, but also one of the most significant organizations in the international scientific community.” Website provides links to events, publications, and webinars.
Partnership For Cures
Organization connects funding partners with research partners working towards a similar goal. Main objectives are to repurpose drugs and technology, and improve current therapies in order to make a near term patient impact.
Society for Neuroscience (SFN)
This nonprofit membership organization connects physicians and scientists in the field of neuroscience in order to further knowledge, education, and research related to the brain. SfN also hosts an annual scientific meeting attracting over 30,000 scientists from all over the world.
- http://www.sfn.org
- To find a local chapter go to Chapter Locations and Contacts
The National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center
Established by the National Institute on Aging (U01 AG016976) in 1999 to facilitate collaborative research. Using data collected from the 29 NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Centers (ADCs) across the United States, NACC has developed and maintains a large relational database of standardized clinical and neuropathological research data. In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Consortium (ADGC) and the National Cell Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease (NCRAD), NACC provides a valuable resource for both exploratory and explanatory Alzheimer’s disease research. NACC data are freely available to all researchers at no cost.
Relevant Scientific Publications:
Drug discovery
Drug Discovery News
Drug Discovery News is a subscription-based e-newsletter which provides articles on both the business and science sides of the drug discovery process. Website offers “in-depth content, industry resources, product literature, white papers and our archived print issues…with links to additional editorial and product resources.”
Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
Online journal “provides access to the highest quality overview” of drug discovery through review articles and commentary.
Nature Biotechnology
Website provides access to the current issue as well as an archive of previous issues.
Nature Chemical Biology
Website provides access to the current issue as well as an archive of previous issues.
Science Translational Medicine
The journal provides, “a forum for communication and cross-fertilization among basic, translational, and clinical research practitioners and trainees from all relevant established and emerging disciplines.” Website provides review and research articles.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
A subscription-based journal containing reviews of current topics in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design.
Drug Discovery Today
Drug discovery magazine. Website provides podcasts, webinars, key research articles and current reviews on various aspects of drug discovery and development.
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy
“An international peer-reviewed journal,” provides open access to research articles on Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias and neurodegenerative diseases.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
The official journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. A subscription-based journal which publishes review and research articles, as well as reports, commentaries, and translational papers.
Current Alzheimer Research
Subscription based journal which publishes review and research articles on all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. “Current Alzheimer Research provides a comprehensive ‘bird’s-eye view’ of the current state of Alzheimer’s research for neuroscientists, clinicians, health science planners, granting, caregivers and families of this devastating disease.”
The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
An international, subscription-based journal, focusing on the many facets of Alzheimer’s disease. The journal publishes research and review articles, and serves as a forum for scientists in the field.
Neuroscience
The Journal of Neuroscience
The official journal of the Society for Neuroscience. Website offers searchable archive.
Nature Neuroscience
A multidisciplinary journal that publishes articles covering all areas of the neuroscience field. Website provides access to the current issue as well as an archive of previous issues.
Neuron
Neuron is known for its high-caliber original scientific research papers as well as review articles and features on technological advances. Website offers online articles with a subscription.
Industry Organizations:
Angel Investor Network
Website provides links to Angel Investor networks nationwide.
BIO – Biotechnology Industry Organization
The largest Biotechnology organization - provide resources for healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology members.
- http://bio.org
- For membership information see: Join BIO
National Venture Capital Association
A trade association representing over 400 member venture capital firms. Website offers a directory of members.
- http://www.nvca.org
- For a list of member firms see: NVCA Member Directory
PhRMA – The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Membership organization of pharmaceutical research and biotech companies. Advocate for policies allowing for the discovery of life changing drugs.
- http://www.phrma.org
- For membership information see: Member Company List
Technology Transfer/Licensing:
The Association of University Technology Managers
Member organization of technology transfer professionals around the globe. Provides technology transfer resources.
Licensing Executives Society
Organization has 27 member societies globally, all focused on technology transfer and intellectual property rights.
- US and Canada Region: http://www.lesusacanada.org
- International: http://www.lesi.org/Article/Home.html
New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC)
Provide management consulting and financial planning services for start-up companies. Partnerships with local universities and colleges allow for top-level training programs, seminars, and workshop opportunities.
Funding Resources:
The Foundation Center
A nonprofit aimed at connecting other nonprofits and grantmakers to valuable resources and educational programs. “The Center’s online subscription database, Foundation Directory Online, provides detailed information about more than 98,000 U.S. foundations and corporate donors and 1.7 million grants. It can be used free of charge on site at all Center locations and Cooperating Collections.”
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
One of the 27 Institutes under the NIH. The NIA is the “primary Federal agency on Alzheimer’s research.” The website contains health information and publications, as well as research and grants information.
NIH Roadmap Molecular Libraries Program
Provides funding and resources for the drug screening process.
National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
One of the 27 Institutes under the NIH. “The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is to reduce the burden of neurological disease.”
The Wellcome Trust
A global charity with a mission to support “the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities.” One of their major challenges is to understand the brain, and find “new approaches to treating mental illness and neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.”
Other Neurodegenerative Disease Related Foundations:
ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI)
Research and educational material on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
The Association for Frontotemporal Dementias (AFTD)
The organization advocates for awareness about frontotemporal dementias. Website provides general information about FTD as well as information on research being funded.
Alzheimer’s Association
The organization advocates for research and education on Alzheimer’s disease. Website provides general information on Alzheimer’s and research being conducted in the field.
Beyond Batten Disease Foundation
Foundation established to raise awareness and funds towards combating Batten Disease.
Cure Huntington’s Disease Initiative (CHDI)
A nonprofit research organization aimed at accelerating research and finding therapies for Huntington’s disease.
- http://www.highqfoundation.org
Lewy Body Dementia Association
A nonprofit organization aimed at raising awareness and funding research for Lewy Body Dementia.
Michael J. Fox Foundation
Foundation funds research for improved therapies and an ultimate cure for Parkinson’s.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The society funds cutting edge research on Multiple Sclerosis; involved in advocacy and education for those living with MS and their families.