Accelerating Drug Discovery for Frontotemporal Degeneration
Supports preclinical research on small molecules and biologics for frontotemporal dementia, targeting disease-modifying mechanisms with a focus on innovative drug discovery and development.
Funder: Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation
Due Dates: July 20, 2026 (Invited Full Proposal)
Funding Amounts: Average award: $300,000; typical duration: 1 year; potential for follow-on funding.
Summary: Supports innovative preclinical drug development for frontotemporal dementia, focusing on disease-modifying small molecules and biologics.
Key Information: Open to global academic, nonprofit, and biotech applicants; follows a venture philanthropy model with mission-related investment terms.
Description
This grant program funds innovative drug discovery and development projects aimed at frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It emphasizes preclinical research on small molecules and biologics that target disease-modifying mechanisms, including lead optimization, medicinal chemistry, in vitro ADME, and in vivo testing of novel or repurposed compounds in relevant animal models. Scientific focus areas include autophagy, epigenetics, genetic causes, inflammation, misfolded proteins, mitochondrial/metabolic function, neuroprotection, proteostasis, RNA metabolism, stress granule formation, and synaptic activity. Strong proposals demonstrate robust preliminary data, clear biological rationale for FTD, and a well-structured research plan. The program encourages the use of well-characterized preclinical models and a biomarker strategy to assess efficacy and target engagement.
