Neuroimaging and CSF Biomarker RFP

ADDF Neuroimaging and CSF Biomarker RFP

Funds new biomarkers for Alzheimer's and related dementias through PET ligands, MRI, spinal fluid, and brain activity measures.

Eligibility · Global — open worldwide

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) runs the Neuroimaging and CSF Biomarker RFP to develop and validate new diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. ADDF has deployed nearly $400 million across 792 programs in 21 countries since 1998 and uses a venture-philanthropy model in which funding is structured as mission-related investments requiring a return tied to scientific and business milestones. The 2026 cycle seeks biomarkers with a clear clinical need and a defined context of use, focusing on novel PET ligands, CSF biomarkers, MRI approaches, and functional activity measures such as EEG. High-priority biological targets are neuroinflammation, synaptic integrity, autophagy, and TDP-43 pathology; the program has limited interest in CSF measures of amyloid and tau.

Awards reach up to $600,000 and cover one year of work, with potential for follow-on funding based on milestone achievement. Funding covers direct costs only. Eligible applicants worldwide include academic institutions, nonprofits, biotechnology companies, and startups; industry partnerships are encouraged. Biotech companies must demonstrate a clear need for nonprofit co-funding. The mission-related investment structure means accepted teams will negotiate equity, convertible notes, or royalties as the ROI mechanism alongside their scientific deliverables.

The Letter of Intent deadline is September 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET; full proposals are issued by invitation thereafter. Applications are submitted through the ADDF online portal at addf.fluxx.io. Inquiries can be directed to grants@alzdiscovery.org. Teams should frame proposals around mechanistic targets beyond amyloid and tau to align with the program's stated priorities and maximize competitiveness at the LOI stage.