Neuroimaging and CSF Biomarker Program

Grants to USA, Canada, and International clinicians and researchers for research studies related to health and disease. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent prior to submitting a full proposal. Funding is intended to further develop and evaluate established biomarkers for which there is a clear clinical need in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Priority is given to biomarkers with a defined context of use, a clear advantage over other relevant biomarkers, and a path to commercialization and/or clinical use.
Specifically, this RFP focuses on:Developing novel PET ligands for clinical useSupporting novel CSF biomarkersValidating established MRI approaches in larger cohortsNovel biomarkers of neuroinflammation and synaptic integrity are considered a high priority. Other target areas of interest include:Neuronal lossVascular injury and blood-brain barrier integrityMitochondria and metabolic functionProtein misfolding/proteostasisOxidative stressWhite matter changesOther novel targets supported by compelling biological rationale and connection to diseaseThe ADDF has limited interest in CSF measures of amyloid and tau.The RFP supports the advancement of neuroimaging and CSF biomarkers that can do one or more of the following:Demonstrate target engagement for novel therapeuticsDetect signs of disease earlier and monitor progressionMore accurately diagnose and distinguish between dementia subtypesFor more information on funding priorities, see “Funding Priorities” on the URL for Full Text below.Modality Specific Priorities:Neuroimaging:Positron emission tomography (PET)Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkersFunctional activity measuresOther novel approachesFor more information on Modality Specific Priorities, see “Modality Specific Priorities” on the URL for Full Text below.