Announcements

Research Update

July 2, 2024

ADDF STATEMENT ON FDA’S TRADITIONAL APPROVAL OF KISUNLA (Donanemab)

The FDA approval of Kisunla introduces a second anti-amyloid to the market, expanding on the arsenal of therapies needed to successfully treat Alzheimer’s.

Recent approval confirms amyloids’ role in modestly slowing cognitive decline by around 30%, highlighting the need to develop novel therapies that can be used in combination to achieve 100% slowing of decline.

Research Update

June 28, 2024

MOMENTUM IN ALZHEIMER’S BIOMARKERS PROPELS FIELD TOWARDS NEXT GENERATION OF CARE

ADDF-funded C2N Diagnostics announced an agreement with Mayo Clinic Laboratories to offer their blood tests, boosting access globally.

Workgroup convened by the Alzheimer’s Association released revised diagnostic criteria that move the field towards biology-based diagnoses.

Research Update

June 20, 2024

ALZHEIMER’S DRUG DISCOVERY FOUNDATION (ADDF) APPLAUDS DxA-FUNDED ALZPATH FOR NEW LICENSING DEAL WITH ROCHE THAT BRINGS ALZHEIMER’S BLOOD TESTS CLOSER TO PATIENTS

ALZpath, a company in the Diagnostics Accelerator’s (DxA) portfolio, moves closer to delivering accessible, affordable Alzheimer’s blood tests to patients.

This milestone highlights DxA’s role in advancing Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics.

Research Update

June 10, 2024

ADDF STATEMENT ON FDA ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S ENDORSEMENT OF DONANEMAB

While the endorsement of a second anti-amyloid is emblematic of a new era, a combination therapy and precision medicine approach will be needed to guide the next generation of treatments.

Research Update

June 10, 2024

Multiple Studies Published in Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy Underscore the Importance of Lifestyle Interventions in Modifying the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

Two ADDF-funded investigators further validate the role that lifestyle interventions have in treating and preventing the disease.

Research Update

May 17, 2024

New Study in Nature Medicine Shows Novel Neuroprotective Drug Candidate Meets Primary Endpoint in Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

Study exemplifies how ADDF funding fuels progress of innovative science guided by the biology of aging for future of Alzheimer’s treatment.

Research Update

May 13, 2024

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) Extend Treat FTD Fund Through 2035

Lauder and Newhouse Families Commit Additional $10 Million to Treat FTD Fund

Research Update

March 8, 2024

ADDF STATEMENT ON FDA DECISION TO HOLD ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR DONANEMAB

The FDA plans to hold an advisory committee to glean more information on the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 trial data and safety profile.

Research Update

January 16, 2024

Combination Therapy and Precision Medicine Spotlighted as the Gold Standard for the Next Generation of Alzheimer’s Treatments in the Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (JPAD)

The Publication Features Leading Body of Research Led by ADDF Scientists Based on a Biology of Aging and Geroscience Approach

Research Update

September 7, 2023

Promising New Approaches Based on the Biology of Aging Take Spotlight in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Promising results from a study supported by the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) were published today

Research Update

July 17, 2023

ADDF Statement on New Results from Donanemab’s TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 Trial

Data show that the anti-amyloid is modestly effective in reducing cognitive decline, underscoring the need to develop additional drugs that target other pathways guided by the biology of aging

Research Update

July 6, 2023

ADDF Statement On FDA’s Traditional Approval of Lecanemab (Leqembi)

The FDA’s traditional approval of Leqembi marks the first-ever approval of a disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s, signifying the dawn of a new era in Alzheimer’s treatment

Research Update

June 9, 2023

ADDF Statement On FDA Advisory Committee’s Endorsement Of Lecanemab (Leqembi)

The FDA Advisory Committee’s endorsement of Leqembi ushers in a new era for Alzheimer’s therapeutics

Research Update

March 21, 2023

Progress in New Alzheimer’s Therapeutics Based on Biology of Aging Highlighted in Symposium Hosted by Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) at AD/PD™ 2023 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders

ADDF-funded investigators to showcase research on wide range of drug targets that may one day be combined in precision treatments

Research Update

February 1, 2023

A Promising Trial Targets a Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s

In an article from the New York Times, Dr. Howard Fillit, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), provides context on a promising gene therapy approach for treating Alzheimer’s disease supported by the ADDF.

Research Update

January 19, 2023

ADDF Statement on FDA Decision Not to Grant Accelerated Approval to Donanemab for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Drugmaker Eli Lilly plans to submit phase 3 study data later in 2023 for traditional approval of this amyloid-clearing drug

Research Update

January 6, 2023

ADDF Statement On FDA Accelerated Approval Of Lecanemab (Leqembi)

Anti-amyloid therapy lecanemab is the first of many drugs needed to give patients meaningful relief from Alzheimer’s disease

Research Update

November 30, 2022

ADDF Statement On Gantenerumab Data Presented At CTAD

Different results for two amyloid-clearing antibody drugs reinforce need to advance robust, diverse pipeline for Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Update

November 29, 2022

ADDF Statement On Lecanemab Data Presented At CTAD

Positive results from new amyloid-clearing drug represent starting point for Alzheimer’s treatment, while combination therapy remains holy grail.

Research Update

November 15, 2022

Progress in Emerging Alzheimer’s Therapeutics Based on Biology of Aging to be Highlighted in Session Moderated by ADDF at 2022 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease Conference

ADDF-funded investigators to showcase research on wide range of drug targets that may one day be combined in precision treatments

Research Update

November 14, 2022

ADDF Statement On Topline Results Of Phase 3 Trials Of Amyloid-Clearing Antibody Gantenerumab

While the topline clinical trial results reported for gantenerumab are disappointing, we are in a new era of Alzheimer’s drug development with incredible promise

Research Update

September 28, 2022

ADDF Statement on Topline Results of Phase 3 Trial of Amyloid-Clearing Drug Lecanemab

While not a magic bullet, the modest effectiveness of lecanemab reported by Eisai/Biogen would give physicians one part of the treatment puzzle—combination therapies remain the holy grail

Research Update

June 17, 2022

Results from Roche’s Anti-Amyloid Drug Trial Reinforce Importance of ADDF-Driven Biology of Aging Approach

Roche reported on June 16, 2022 that its anti-amyloid drug, crenezumab, did not prevent progression to dementia in cognitively healthy people at genetically high risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Research Update

April 7, 2022

ADDF Statement of CMS Coverage Determination for Aduhelm

ADDF supports the need to collect more clinical data on Aduhelm, but would have preferred a less restrictive process.

Research Update

March 4, 2022

Novel Gene Therapy Approach in ADDF-Funded Trial Reports Promising Early Results

Lexeo Therapeutics announced positive early data this week from an ADDF-funded Phase 1/2 clinical trial of LX1001, a unique treatment approach that targets the underlying genetics of Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Update

January 25, 2022

ADDF and AFTD Partner to Support Wave Life Sciences’ FTD and ALS Clinical Program

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) announced today that they have partnered to support Wave Life Sciences’ FOCUS-C9 Phase 1b/2a clinical trial investigating WVE-004 as a potential treatment for C9orf72-associated frontotemporal degeneration (C9-FTD), as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (C9-ALS).

Research Update

January 12, 2022

Statement from the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation on Medicare Coverage Decision for Aduhelm

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the government agency tasked with determining Medicare drug coverage, announced plans yesterday for Medicare to pay for the recently approved drug Aduhelm (aducanumab) only for patients who enroll in qualifying clinical trials.

Research Update

November 3, 2021

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Releases 2021 Clinical Trials Report in Conjunction with 14th Annual CTAD Conference

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Releases 2021 Clinical Trials Report in Conjunction with 14^th Annual CTAD Conference

Research Update

July 27, 2021

Drug that Slows Progression of ALS May Provide the Same Benefit for People with Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) funded this phase 2 study; results published in Brain

Research Update

July 26, 2021

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) Investment Boosts Search for Digital Biomarkers for Early Alzheimer’s

ADDF’s Diagnostics Accelerator funds UK-led EDoN initiative to transform early detection

Research Update

June 24, 2021

FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Two More Alzheimer’s Drugs Demonstrates Promise of Pipeline

This week, the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to two new Alzheimer’s drugs in development. According to the FDA, the designation is used to “expedite the development and review of drugs to treat a serious condition…where early evidence indicates the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapy.”

Research Update

June 7, 2021

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Statement on FDA Approval of Aducanumab

Today’s FDA approval of the monoclonal antibody Aduhelm (aducanumab) to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease reflects years of significant advances in Alzheimer’s research.

Research Update

May 18, 2021

Experts Call for Better Design of Early Drug Trials for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

Scientific Paper Published in Neurology® Provides Guidance to Clinical Trial Investigators

Research Update

March 13, 2021

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Comment on TRAILBLAZER-ALZ Results

Eli Lilly and Company presented detailed results of its phase 2 TRAILBLAZER-ALZ study today, showing that its investigational drug donanemab met its primary endpoint, slowing decline in a combined measure of cognition and daily function by 32% in patients with symptomatic early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Update

March 12, 2021

Is Polypharmacy Risky for People with Dementia?

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on March 9th reports that 1 in 7 dementia patients take at least 3 medications that act on their central nervous system, despite expert warnings that this type of “CNS-active polypharmacy” can raise the risk of falls, memory issues and death.

Research Update

March 9, 2021

ADDF-Funded Investigators to Present Findings at Next Week’s Conference on Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD™ 2021)

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) announced today that four of its funded researchers will be making presentations at the 15th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD™), which will be held virtually from Barcelona, Spain March 9-14, 2021.

Research Update

January 11, 2021

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Comment on TRAILBLAZER-ALZ Results

Eli Lilly and Co announced clinical trial results for its experimental Alzheimer’s drug donanemab, which slowed decline in a combined measure of cognition and daily function in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Donanemab is an investigational monoclonal antibody that targets a modified form of beta amyloid called N3pG.

Research Update

November 6, 2020

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Statement on Today’s FDA Independent Panel Vote on Biogen’s Aducanumab

Biogen and Eisai announced today the FDA is delaying its decision on Biogen’s aducanumab, a potentially disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, in order to review additional clinical data submitted by the company. 

Research Update

October 29, 2020

Breakthrough Moment for Alzheimer’s Disease: First Blood Test Comes to Clinic

Progress in Alzheimer’s disease took a big step today with C2N Diagnostics’ announcement that the first blood test is available to help physicians with early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's, which marks an important milestone for treatment and patient care of the disease.

Research Update

September 25, 2020

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Comments on Tauriel Trial Results

AC Immune, a Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company, announced topline results this week from a Phase 2 clinical trial conducted by its partner, Genentech, that tested the company’s anti-tau antibody, semorinemab. 

Research Update

September 23, 2020

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Announces Major Funding Commitment to Validate an Amyloid Blood Test for Non-Invasive Early Detection of Alzheimer’s

C2N Diagnostics’ PrecivityAD™ blood test carries an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation; earlier studies report test is highly reliable in predicting presence of brain amyloid

Research Update

July 28, 2020

New Data Brings the Promise of Earlier Detection of Alzheimer’s Closer than Ever

New data presented today by an international research team at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) and published simultaneously in JAMA reports that a newly validated, highly accurate test that measures blood levels of p-tau217 can accurately distinguish Alzheimer’s from other neurodegenerative disorders.

Research Update

July 15, 2020

Newly Published Study Funded by the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Finds Dopamine Therapy Improves Cognitive Function in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

A study supported by the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation and published today in JAMA Network Open provides the first evidence that rotigotine, a drug that acts on dopamine transmission in the brain, improves cognitive function in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Update

July 10, 2020

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Statement on Biogen Filing of Aducanumab for FDA Approval

Biogen has submitted an application to the FDA seeking approval of aducanumab. If approved, aducanumab would be the first treatment to show that reduction in amyloid plaques in the brain slows cognitive decline in patients with early stage Alzheimer’s.

Research Update

June 1, 2020

Cancer Drug Appears Safe, Shows Modest Effect on Alzheimer’s Biomarkers in Early Stage Clinical Trial

Nilotinib, an FDA-approved drug (Tasigna®) that is used to treat leukemia in children and adults, is safe and well-tolerated and may have benefits against Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new clinical trial published in the Annals of Neurology.

Research Update

May 29, 2020

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Applauds FDA Approval of New PET Tau Scan

The FDA has approved Tauvid™, the first radioactive diagnostic agent for PET imaging of tau protein in the brains of patients being evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Update

May 28, 2020

First-of-its-Kind Study Shows the Substantial Economic Burden of Early Stage Alzheimer’s on Patients, Caregivers and Society

A first-of-its kind study shows a substantial economic impact of early stages of Alzheimer’s on patients and families—$2,816 per month in direct medical care and informal caregiver costs for those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and $4,243 per month for patients who have progressed to mild dementia.

Research Update

May 18, 2020

New PET Scan Detects Tau Tangles, Additional Changes in Brains of Alzheimer’s Patients

A new study reports that positron emission tomography (PET) scanning using a new imaging agent called flortaucipir F18 accurately shows the density and distribution of tau protein deposits in the brains of people living with Alzheimer’s.

Research Update

April 30, 2020

High Brain Amyloid Levels Linked with Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

The first published findings from an ongoing Alzheimer’s prevention study by the National Institute of Aging support the hypothesis that higher levels of amyloid in the brain represent an early stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Update

April 30, 2020

Does an Aspirin a Day Lower Alzheimer’s Risk?

Taking a daily low-dose aspirin does not reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease in otherwise healthy elderly individuals according to findings from the ASPREE trial.

Research Update

April 9, 2020

Study Results from DIAN-TU Trial Presented at Recent Medical Meeting

New data from the DIAN-TU study, which is testing drugs in people with a rare inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease, further validates the need for Alzheimer’s research to focus on diverse drug targets beyond amyloid.

Research Update

February 25, 2020

ADDF Statement on the USPSTF Evidence Report on Screening for Cognitive Impairment

The latest U.S. Preventive Services Task Force evidence report on screening for cognitive impairment in older adults raises many questions, but provides few answers for healthcare providers, patients, and families. The recommendation findings, published today in JAMA, state that the tools to accurately identify cognitive impairment in older adults exist, but that there is insufficient evidence to assess the value of using them routinely in older people.

Research Update

February 25, 2020

Newly Published Research Advances Knowledge about Biomarkers for Diagnosis of CTE

A study supported by the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and published today in Molecular Psychiatry reports that a combination of functional assessments and biomarkers —specifically blood tests and brain scans — may pave the way for early diagnosis of a form of dementia called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Research Update

February 10, 2020

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) Statement on DIAN-TU Trial Results

Dr. Howard Fillit, Founding Executive Director and Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), shares his perspectives on the topline results announced today of a phase III clinical trial testing two drugs—solanezumab (Eli Lilly and Co.) and gantenerumab (Roche and Genentech)—in people with a rare inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Update

January 30, 2020

ADDF Launches In-depth Cognitive Vitality Reports

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) recently launched Cognitive Vitality Reports, a new resource on CognitiveVitality.org that currently contains over 200 reports for researchers and clinicians interested in the development of drugs for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Research Update

December 5, 2019

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Reacts to Biogen’s New Data on Aducanumab

Dr. Howard Fillit, Founding Executive Director and Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) shares his perspectives on the data presented today at the 12th Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) meeting in San Diego regarding the safety and efficacy of aducanumab as a potential new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, particularly for people living with the early stages of the condition.

Research Update

October 22, 2019

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Statement on Biogen Announcement to Plan FDA Filing of Aducanumab for Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation is encouraged by today’s announcement from Biogen of its plans to seek regulatory approval for aducanumab as a potential new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, particularly for people living with the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Research Update

October 17, 2019

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Partners with Shionogi and Janssen Pharmaceuticals for its Diagnostics Accelerator Initiative

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) announced a partnership with Shionogi & Co., Ltd.  and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as part of its  Diagnostics Accelerator, an initiative that aims to fast-track the development of novel biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Research Update

September 23, 2019

20th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Showcases Diversity of Approaches - Reflects Two Decades of Scientific Advances

Research Update

July 15, 2019

ADDF Clinical Trials Report Shows Notable Shift from Amyloid Approach

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) released a new clinical trial analysis report that shows researchers are now developing drugs for various targets associated with aging biology – moving beyond traditional amyloid and tau approaches.

Research Update

June 11, 2019

New Report Discourages Use of Dietary Supplements for Brain Health

The ADDF's Dr. Howard Fillit served as an expert contributor to The Global Council on Brain Health's report on brain health supplements.

Research Update

March 21, 2019

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Statement on Biogen and Eisai Announcement to Discontinue Trials of Aducanumab in Alzheimer's Disease

Pharmaceuticals company Biogen and its partner Eisai announced that they will cease clinical trials for aducanumab after it was indicated the trials were unlikely to succeed.

Research Update

January 9, 2019

New Generation of Therapeutics Based on Understanding of Aging Biology Show Promise for Alzheimer’s

A review by the ADDF published in Neurology® explores novel approaches beyond the common amyloid that could slow or prevent Alzheimer's.

Research Update

September 21, 2018

19th International Conference on Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Highlights Multiple Approaches to Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's Disease

The conference, organized by the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, focused on gene therapy and alternative modalities for neurodegenerative diseases, progress in developing novel drugs, as well as the need for new biomarkers.

Research Update

November 1, 2017

New Report Highlights Innovation in Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials

Closing in on a Cure: 2017 Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Report surveys the 126 drugs in clinical development for Alzheimer’s disease—20% of which received support from the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. 

Research Update

September 13, 2017

18th Annual Conference on Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Showcases Non-Amyloid Research

Nearly 200 academic and industry researchers came together to share updates on innovative preclinical and clinical-stage Alzheimer’s disease research at the 18th Annual Conference on Alzheimer's Drug Discovery.

Research Update

June 29, 2017

2016 Annual Report Released

The 2016 Annual Report, titled “From Idea to Impact,” highlights the enormous progress the ADDF has made toward finding effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Update

April 20, 2017

ADDF-Funded Scientists Discover Two Repurposed Drugs With Promise for Alzheimer’s and FTD

A team of scientists from the Medical Research Council (MRC) in the UK have found two drugs, which block brain cell death and prevent neurodegeneration in preclinical studies. Their findings were published today in Brain.

Research Update

September 27, 2016

Experimental Imaging Agent Reveals Concussion-Linked Brain Disease in Living Brain

Protein tracer shows distinctive pattern of brain protein deposition specific to this disease and typically confirmed after death

Research Update

September 13, 2016

Dr. D. Martin Watterson Wins Second Melvin R. Goodes Prize

Dr. Watterson has identified a number of new classes of Central Nervous System drugs.

Research Update

August 24, 2016

Panel of Experts Calls for Comparative Effectiveness Research

With better evidence, routine medical decisions could help prevent dementia.

Research Update

September 16, 2015

Dr. Frank Longo Wins Inaugural Melvin R. Goodes Prize

Dr. Longo's pioneering approach may soon lead to new disease modifying drugs.

Research Update

July 30, 2015

Grantees at Lou Rovo Center for Brain Health Recruiting for New Alzheimer’s Disease Trial

Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is recruiting participants for a trial to determine if treatment with rasagiline improves brain glucose metabolism and memory.

Research Update

May 2, 2014

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Raises $1.1M for New Clinical Trial in Alzheimer’s

The ADDF raised more than $1.1 million at its Eighth Annual Connoisseur's Dinner to go to Jeffrey Cummings, MD in support of a clinical trial for a repurposed drug for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Research Update

February 28, 2013

Research Foundations Collaborate to Fund Repository of Promising CNS-Active Compounds

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society announced a funding collaboration to support the creation of the Collaborative CNS Screening Initiative.

Research Update

February 5, 2013

Medicare Panel’s Failure to Recommend Payment for New Alzheimer’s Diagnostic Brain Imaging Scans

Howard Fillit, MD and George Vradenburg of USAgainstAlzheimer's issued a joint statement, responding to MEDCAC's opinion to not support Medicare reimbursement for PET amyloid imaging scans.

Research Update

April 6, 2012

ADDF’s Seed Funding Leads to FDA Approval of Amyvid™, First Diagnostic Test for Alzheimer’s Disease

The FDA has approved Amyvid™, the first diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease, for which the ADDF provided critical seed funding.