[Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation](https://www.alzdiscovery.org)

September 14, 2026 (Letter of Intent)

Up to $5,000,000 per project; multi-year awards; only direct costs allowed.

Supports IND-enabling studies and early-phase clinical trials for novel, repurposed, or repositioned therapies targeting Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Funding is structured as mission-related investments with milestone-based payments.

--- ## Description This opportunity funds investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies and early-phase clinical trials for promising pharmacological interventions and devices addressing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The program emphasizes diverse drug mechanisms and modes of action related to the biology of aging, prioritizing novel, repurposed, and repositioned drugs, as well as natural products and devices. High-priority areas include epigenetics, inflammation, mitochondrial/metabolic function, neuroprotection, proteostasis, synaptic activity, vascular function, and other aging-related pathways. Proposals must provide strong scientific rationale, robust preclinical and clinical data, and rigorous study design with biomarker-based assessments. --- ## Due Dates - September 14, 2026: Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline _All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates._ --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $5,000,000 per project - Typical duration: Multi-year (duration based on project scope) - Only direct costs are allowed; no indirect/overhead or capital equipment costs - Payment is milestone-based and negotiated per project - Co-funding from other agencies or investors is encouraged for projects requiring additional support --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers and clinicians worldwide - Academic medical centers, universities, and nonprofits - Biotechnology companies (including startups); limited to one LOI and one full proposal per cycle - Industry partnerships are strongly encouraged - Funding is provided as mission-related investments with return on investment based on scientific/business milestones - Anti-amyloid and cholinesterase inhibitor proposals are not eligible - Non-pharmacologic interventions (diet, meditation, exercise) are not eligible --- ## Application Process - **Step 1:** Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) via the [ADDF Funding Portal](https://addf.fluxx.io/) by the deadline - Briefly describe scientific rationale, specific aims, and key supporting data (each section: 300 words max) - **Step 2:** If invited, submit a full proposal within the same cycle as the LOI - Full proposals include detailed project narrative, budget, biosketches, and (for biotech companies) a business packet - Adhere to the [application instructions](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/application-instructions) and [funding policies](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/policies) - Each applicant/institution may submit one LOI and one invited proposal per cycle (multiple applicants from a single academic institution allowed if for different projects) - All clinical trials funded must be registered on [ClinicalTrials.gov](https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/) - Applications are reviewed in a two-step process (LOI review, then full proposal peer review) - Notification typically within 2–3 weeks of LOI deadline and 3–4 months of full proposal deadline --- ## Additional Information - Funding is provided through a venture philanthropy model; terms may include equity, convertible notes, royalties, or milestone agreements - Only direct costs are allowed (personnel, supplies, small equipment ≤$2,500, consultants, patient costs) - No funding for indirect costs, capital equipment, publication costs, or travel (unless pre-approved) - Resubmissions (up to two times) allowed if reviewer concerns are addressed - Effective 2026, proposals do not automatically advance to the next cycle; full proposals must be submitted in the same cycle as the LOI --- ## External Links - [Drug Development RFP Details](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/drug-development-rfp) - [Application Instructions](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/application-instructions) - [Funding Policies](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/policies) - [ADDF Funding Portal (Apply Here)](https://addf.fluxx.io/) - [Our Research Strategy](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/our-research-strategy) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Online Contact Form | |----------------------------|-------------------------------|---------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | ADDF Grants & Mission-Related Investments Team | grants@alzdiscovery.org | 212.901.8000 | [Contact Us](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/contact-us) |

Drug Development RFP

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