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Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

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The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation
FoundersLeonard A. Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder, and Dr. Howard Fillit
FocusThe mission of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation is to rapidly accelerate the development of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease.
Location
  • New York, NY
WebsiteOfficial website

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by co-chairmen Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder of the Estée Lauder Companies cosmetics family [1] and led by Howard Fillit,[2] a geriatrician and neuroscientist. The ADDF provides funding to scientists who are conducting promising, innovative Alzheimer's disease drug research worldwide.[3][4][5] The ADDF funds early-stage research and early-phase clinical trials that might otherwise go unfunded.[6] By supporting research projects around the world, it seeks to increase the chances of finding treatments for Alzheimer's disease, related dementias and cognitive aging.[7][8][9] The ADDF has invested nearly $65 million to fund some 450 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs and clinical trials in academic centers and biotechnology companies in 18 countries.[3]

Funding model

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The ADDF is a biomedical venture philanthropy. Many of its grants are structured as investments, providing a return that is reinvested in new drug research. After initial ADDF funding, grantees have received commitments of over $2 billion[10] in follow-on funding from government, pharmaceutical companies and venture capital firms to further advance drug research.

ADDF programs

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Through its programs, the ADDF has invested close to $65 million to fund nearly 450 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs and clinical trials in academic centers and biotechnology companies in 18 countries.[11] From 2000 to 2004, the ADDF provided seed funding for Amyvid,[12] the first FDA-approved diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease. The ADDF also funded PrecivityAD, the first blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease.[13]

Partnership Programs

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The ADDF partners[14] with family foundations, government, non-profit organization, the pharmaceutical industry and corporate organizations to leverage collective funding power.

Scientific Conferences

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The ADDF hosts, sponsors and attends a number of scientific conferences,[15] including the International Conference on Alzheimer's Drug Discovery[16] and the Drug Discovery for Neurodegeneration Conference.[17] The ADDF also organizes advisory panels focused on key issues surrounding drug discovery and development for Alzheimer's.

Cognitive Vitality

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The ADDF's microsite, Cognitive Vitality,[18] provide evidence-based answers to pressing questions about healthy brain aging. Resources include:

  • Expert ratings of scientific evidence for and against suggested cognitive vitality strategies including: health management and drugs; nutrition and supplements; and environmental and physical considerations
  • Practical information on safety, efficacy and drug dosage
  • Digestible translations of scientific findings

Awards

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Melvin R. Goodes Prize for Excellence in Drug Development

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The Melvin R. Goodes Prize[19] for Excellence in Drug Development, also known simply as the Goodes Prize, was first awarded in 2015. It is awarded annually by the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation for innovations in research that have made a significant and lasting impact in the Alzheimer’s field. Recipients receive an engraved medal and a monetary award of $150,000 to support their continued research in Alzheimer’s therapeutics, biomarkers, or prevention programs.

The award is named in honor of Melvin R. Goodes, a former Chairman and Chief Executive of Warner-Lambert. Goodes established the prize with his wife, Nancy, and in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation after his own diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009.[20]

Events

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Every year, the ADDF hosts a series of events to raise awareness and funds to support Alzheimer's research and drug development. They include:

  • The Great Ladies Fashion Show and Luncheon,[21] an annual spring runway show and lunch recognizing female advocates in Alzheimer's. Previous events have included designs and special appearances by Erdem, Jason Wu and Carolina Herrera.
  • The Connoisseur's Dinner,[22] an evening of art and wine celebrating scientific progress in Alzheimer's research.
  • The Fall Symposium and Luncheon,[23] a luncheon and learning event featuring a keynote speech or panel highlighting progress in cognitive decline research and drug development.

References

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  1. ^ "Topics: Leonard Lauder". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  2. ^ "Staff - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation". www.alzdiscovery.org.
  3. ^ a b "About ADDF". Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  4. ^ Donnelly, Shannon (May 22, 2013). "Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation features Paula Zahn, raises more than $2 million". Palm Beach Daily News. Palm Beach, FL: Cox Media Group. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  5. ^ Bertagnoli, Lisa (November 5, 2012). "Lauder, Crowns bring Alzheimer's fight to Chicago". Chicago Business. Crain Communications, Inc. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  6. ^ "ADDF Research Portfolio". Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  7. ^ "Patient Organizations - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke". www.ninds.nih.gov.
  8. ^ Sullivan, Paul (December 24, 2012). "Making an Argument for a Narrower Focus in Charitable Donations". New York Times. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  9. ^ Shriver, Maria (September 2, 2013). "Why isn't more being done for Alzheimer's research?". MSNBC. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  10. ^ "About Us - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation". www.alzdiscovery.org.
  11. ^ "Research Portfolio - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation". www.alzdiscovery.org.
  12. ^ "HOME". amyvid.myregistrationp.com.
  13. ^ "ADDF Announces Major Funding Commitment to Validate an Amyloid Blood Test for Non-Invasive Early Detection of Alzheimer's". PrecivityAD®. Retrieved 2025-04-04.
  14. ^ "Alzheimer's Disease Research - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation". www.alzdiscovery.org.
  15. ^ "Events & Conferences - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation". www.alzdiscovery.org.
  16. ^ "ADDF's International Conference on Alzheimer's Drug Discovery -".
  17. ^ "ADDF's Drug Discovery for Neurodegeneration Conference |". Worldeventsforum.com. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  18. ^ "Cognitive Vitality - Cognitive Vitality - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation". www.alzdiscovery.org.
  19. ^ "Miranda Orr, PhD, Wins Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation's Prestigious Award". Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
  20. ^ Hagerty, James R. "Mel Goodes, Who Was Determined to Help Defeat Alzheimer's, Dies at 89". WSJ. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
  21. ^ "20th International Conference on Alzheimer's Drug Discovery | Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation | Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation". Alzdiscovery.org. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  22. ^ "Eighth Annual Connoisseur's Dinner - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation". www.alzdiscovery.org.
  23. ^ "4th Annual Fall Luncheon & Symposium: Hope on the Horizon - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation". www.alzdiscovery.org.
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