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

January 12, 2026 (Invited full proposal) | September 14, 2026 (Letter of Intent)

Up to $600,000 per award; one-year duration with potential for follow-on funding.

Supports development and validation of clinically relevant biomarkers for Alzheimer's and related dementias with strong translational and commercial potential.

--- ## Description This opportunity funds the further development and validation of established biomarkers with clear clinical utility in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The focus is on biomarkers with a well-defined context of use, distinct advantages over existing biomarkers, and a feasible path to commercialization or clinical application. High-priority areas include novel PET ligands, innovative CSF biomarkers, advanced MRI techniques, and new measures of functional activity such as EEG. Targeted biomarker domains include neuroinflammation, synaptic integrity, autophagy, TDP-43, neuronal loss, vascular injury, mitochondrial function, protein misfolding, oxidative stress, white matter changes, and Lewy body dementia. The program emphasizes modalities such as neuroimaging, CSF analysis, and functional activity measures, with a goal of advancing drug development through sensitive, specific, and clinically translatable biomarkers. --- ## Due Dates - January 12, 2026: Invited full proposal deadline - September 14, 2026: Letter of Intent deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $600,000 based on stage and scope of research - Duration: One year, with potential for follow-on funding - Only direct costs are allowed; no indirect/overhead costs, capital equipment, or publication costs --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers and clinicians worldwide at: - Academic medical centers, universities, and nonprofits (multiple applicants per institution allowed) - Biotechnology/for-profit companies (one LOI and one proposal per company per cycle) - Industry partnerships are encouraged - Both existing companies and startups are eligible - Funding is provided through mission-related investments, requiring return on investment based on scientific/business milestones --- ## Application Process - **Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)** - Submit via the [ADDF Funding Portal](https://addf.fluxx.io/) - Include project details, scientific rationale, aims, and key supporting data (300-word limits per section) - Notification typically within 2–3 weeks of LOI deadline - **Step 2: Invited Full Proposal** - Only upon LOI approval - Submit detailed project narrative (max 20 pages), team info, budget, biosketches, and relevant forms - Biotech companies must submit a business packet - Notification typically within 3–4 months of proposal deadline - **Resubmissions:** Permitted up to two times if reviewer concerns are addressed - **Allowable Costs:** Personnel, supplies, small non-durable equipment (≤$2,500), consultants, patient costs related to clinical trials - **Unallowable Costs:** Indirect/overhead, capital equipment, service contracts, publications, most travel --- ## Additional Information - Biomarkers must have proof-of-concept data in human samples and a defined context of use (diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, etc.) - Strong preference for biomarkers that are novel, clinically translatable, and have a clear advantage over existing tools - Proposals should outline a commercialization path, milestones, and go/no-go criteria - For full application guidelines and templates, refer to [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) --- ## External Links - [Program Page & RFP](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/funding-opportunities/biomarkers) - [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)](https://addf.fluxx.io/) - [Our Research Strategy](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/research-and-grants/our-research-strategy) - [FDA Context of Use Guidance](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biomarker-qualification-program/context-use) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Form | |------------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | ADDF Grants & Mission-Related Investments Team | grants@alzdiscovery.org | 212.901.8000 | [Contact Form](https://www.alzdiscovery.org/contact-us) |

Biomarker Development and Validation in Alzheimer's and Related Dementias

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