Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation Expands its ADDF ACCESS Program to Improve Quality and Efficiency of Drug Research for Neurodegenerative Diseases

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) announced yesterday the launch of its newly expanded ADDF ACCESS program to provide scientists in academia and small biotechnology companies with access to a virtual network of drug discovery experts and contract research organizations (CROs) that have experience developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Through the effective selection of CROs and use of their services, researchers may be able to accelerate their research and bring novel therapies to patients faster.  

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130909/DC75486LOGO)

"The ADDF is excited to expand the availability of this valuable resource for the scientific community," said Howard Fillit, MD, executive director and chief science officer of the ADDF. "Our mission at the ADDF is to accelerate the discovery and development of new Alzheimer's drugs. Drug discovery is a true interdisciplinary effort and ADDF ACCESS seeks to connect scientists with the diverse range of resources and services they need to expedite their research."

ADDF ACCESS now gives academic and small biotechnology research communities access to a network of more than 130 CROs and the services they provide. The expanded and redesigned portal allows users to customize their search for CROs and access a virtual network of drug discovery experts who can provide guidance on CRO selection and research design.

To make this resource available to the broader community and promote collaboration between scientists working on different neurodegenerative diseases, the ADDF is building a consortium of nonprofit partners. BrightFocus Foundation and Beyond Batten Disease Foundation (BBDF) have already provided support for the expansion of ADDF ACCESS.

"When budgets are tight, efficient networking and collaborations are key to research successes," said Guy Eakin, Ph.D., vice president of scientific affairs at BrightFocus Foundation. "We're proud to partner with ADDF to accelerate Alzheimer's drug research through the sharing of critical resources."

Danielle Kerkovich, PhD, principal scientist at BBDF, said, "We are thrilled to be a part of ADDF ACCESS, helping to close the gap between discovery and treatment. With so many Americans, both young and old, facing the threat of serious neurodegenerative diseases, we must bring together the brightest minds, highest quality of resources, and the most experience to save time, money, and lives."

The expansion of ADDF ACCESS was launched in conjunction with the 5^th annual Partnering for Cures meeting in New York City. The ADDF ACCESS program was selected as an Innovator Presentation and was presented on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 10:45 – 11:10 AM EST.

About the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)
The mission of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is to accelerate the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease, related dementias and cognitive aging. The ADDF has granted nearly $60 million to fund 400 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs and clinical trials in academic centers and biotechnology companies in 18 countries. For more information, please visit www.AlzDiscovery.org.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation