Our Research Strategy

Founded in 1998, the ADDF is the only nonprofit dedicated solely to developing drugs and diagnostics for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including frontotemporal, vascular, and Lewy body dementias. Our venture philanthropy investment model combines deep disease-focused expertise with funding for high-risk/high-reward translational programs from academia and biotech companies worldwide.

The ADDF seeks out and funds a diverse research portfolio of drug targets and biomarkers that reflect the many biological pathways and systems involved in neurodegenerative dementias, including inflammation, vascular dysfunction, misfolded proteins, and other mechanisms affected by aging that may contribute to this complex disease. Our portfolio covers diverse biomarker modalities from neuroimaging to blood tests to digital apps, and therapeutic approaches including gene therapies, biologics, small molecules, and non-pharmacologic devices.

How we identify and evaluate funding opportunities

We cast a wide net to identify promising and innovative research projects. Our approach includes networking with life science investors, academic institutions, and industry; and staying abreast of the latest literature, biomedical news, and international conferences for promising research in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. We encourage researchers to apply for funding through our Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Through our outreach, we also proactively work with investigators on proposals that are accepted on an ad hoc basis.

During our rigorous due diligence process in assessing applications, we evaluate the biological rationale, supporting data, potential clinical impact, proposed commercial path, scientific resources, and scientific team. For companies, we also evaluate their business plan, competitive landscape, intellectual property portfolio, financial position, and management team, as necessary.

Internal scientific staff and members of our external scientific review board from academia, industry, and venture capital companies perform an iterative review process to guide a final work plan in collaboration with the applicant. Our due diligence coupled with guidance from disease, drug, and business development experts serves as third-party validation for academic and biotechnology programs that has resulted in attracting additional investments and industry partnerships.

investment amounts and types

The ADDF’s venture philanthropy model means we make investments, not grants, and use all returns from those investments to support our charitable mission. Our terms are comparable with those of other venture investors. When we are working with academic institutions, in exchange for our investment we typically ask for a share of any commercial returns that may arise from the funded research. When working with biotechnology companies, we typically purchase Convertible Notes or equity, though we are also open to structuring royalty and milestone agreements with biotechs. The ADDF can also participate in syndicated investment rounds, typically seed to Series A funding.

ADDF investments range from roughly $100,000 to $3 million+ based on the stage and scope of the work. As part of our venture philanthropy investment model, all funding must be applied to specific scientific milestones and any financial returns are reinvested in future ADDF-funded research.

If you have any questions, please contact grants@alzdiscovery.org

Beyond funding: ADDF offers high-impact non-financial support and resources to funded investigators

A hallmark of the ADDF’s tailored venture philanthropy approach is our high level of engagement and long-term commitment to our funded investigators. The ADDF provides guidance on preclinical, clinical, and biomarker development, strategic alliances (or collaborations and partnering opportunities), and fundraising sources.

We connect our funded investigators with experts through our extensive network of drug development professionals, including scientists with regulatory, pharmacology, and assay development experience. We also connect them to entrepreneurs, including industry CEOs who have successfully led CNS products through the complicated and costly development process.