Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is a not-for-profit venture philanthropy organization dedicated to accelerating the discovery and development of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The firm employs a unique venture philanthropy model, making investments rather than grants, with all returns reinvested into its charitable mission. This approach allows the ADDF to fund breakthrough research in both academic institutions and the biotechnology industry, focusing on innovative and often underfunded areas of drug development, biomarkers, and prevention programs. They prioritize translational research, aiming to convert scientific understanding of Alzheimer's causes into tangible therapeutic solutions.

Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder, the ADDF was established with the singular focus of finding effective drugs for Alzheimer's. Dr. Howard Fillit, a geriatrician and neuroscientist, has led the organization since its inception. The founders' vision was to bridge the critical funding gap for early-stage research and clinical trials, often referred to as the "valley of death," where promising ideas struggle to secure financial support from traditional pharmaceutical companies or federal sources. By assuming this risk, the ADDF enables scientists worldwide to pursue pioneering ideas that might otherwise remain unexplored.

The ADDF has made significant investments in a diverse portfolio of projects globally, supporting over 792 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs, biomarker programs, and clinical trials in 21 countries. Notable initiatives include early funding for the development of the Amyvid™ PET scan, the first diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease, and PrecivityAD™, the first commercially available blood test for early detection. The firm's Diagnostics Accelerator initiative is a global research program aimed at fast-tracking the development of accessible and affordable diagnostic tools. They also support early-phase clinical trials and IND-enabling studies for novel and repurposed drugs, as well as the development and validation of various biomarkers.

The ADDF's team includes expert neuroscientists who identify and fund promising research initiatives. They actively engage with the scientific community by organizing conferences and advisory panels to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration. The organization's commitment extends to evaluating and communicating scientific evidence for Alzheimer's and cognitive aging prevention through its Cognitive Vitality program, further demonstrating its comprehensive approach to combating the disease.