The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) has been leading the way in Alzheimer’s research since its founding in 1998. Thanks to the generosity of our founders, Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder, 100% of every dollar donated to us goes directly to science. The ADDF has awarded more than $290 million to fund over 750 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs, biomarker programs and clinical trials in 20 countries.
We make investments, not grants, in research. Employing a venture philanthropy model, the ADDF is helping to shape the Alzheimer’s research pipeline through both scientific leadership and providing venture capital for innovative, often underfunded research areas. Our unique model generates investment returns that are channeled right back into our science. Our bold strategy includes investments in a diverse range of novel treatments and diagnostics that are altering the course of Alzheimer’s research.
The ADDF supports one of the largest and most diverse clinical development portfolios for Alzheimer’s disease, with over 30 active clinical trials that span multiple drug targets. Our early focus on the biology of aging, an out-the-box idea at a time when all eyes were on targeting amyloid plaques in the brain, is now a guiding research principle. This is not just reflected in our clinical trial portfolio, but across the entire robust Alzheimer’s pipeline where most clinical trials are focused on drug targets other than amyloid, aimed at neuroinflammation, vascular problems, synapse loss, and other aging malfunctions.
The ADDF continues to serve as a significant driver of meaningful innovation and change in drug discovery and development. Many initiatives with the ADDF’s footprint are paying off in breakthrough firsts.
- Early funding for development of the Amyvid™ PET scan, the first diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease. Amyvid™ was instrumental in the approval of the first disease-modifying Alzheimer’s drug, Aduhelm, in 2021, providing the biomarker data needed under the FDA’s accelerated approval guidelines.
- The ADDF also invested early and often in PrecivityAD™, the first commercially available blood test to help physicians with early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
- Through the Diagnostics Accelerator, the ADDF provided funding to Altoida, Inc., a leading precision neurology company, which was awarded U.S. Food and Drug Administration Breakthrough Device Designation for the Neuro Motor Index, a predictive system for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Many of the concepts we supported in early-stage research have advanced to phase 2 clinical trials, moving us closer to a cure. More than 75% of ADDF-funded trials are in phase 2 and, true to our mission, they are focused on diverse drug targets.
Our support is also designed to help investigators and early biotech firms move important research through the expensive and challenging research process. After receiving ADDF support, our researchers have gone on to receive commitments of over $3 billion in follow-on funding from the government, pharmaceutical companies, and venture capital firms. This is a testament to our rigorous review process and to the resources we provide to researchers.
Today, the ADDF is well positioned to continue its leadership role in driving exciting scientific discoveries. Each year brings us closer to achieving our mission to conquer Alzheimer’s disease.