Rejuvenating Alzheimer’s R&D

Developing drugs for chronic diseases of aging is notoriously difficult. But addressing the health burden associated with such conditions is becoming increasingly urgent as the world’s population ages (1). The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) highlights the need to focus on neurodegenerative disorders and to date has invested more than US$150 million to fund over 626 Alzheimer’s drug discovery programs and clinical trials in 19 countries (2).

“Biotechs and academics are still pursuing novel targets and innovation in new drugs,” Howard Fillit, the ADDF’s Founding Executive Director and Chief Science Officer. “With support from investors and venture philanthropies and government, risk can be taken.  As these succeed, the ‘external’ R&D model will proceed to create opportunities for licensing and acquisition of new drugs in development.”