Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) have expanded their collaboration to accelerate translation of innovative research efforts for Alzheimer's disease. Together, the two organizations will jointly market and administer a new award program for academic researchers. By leveraging their combined expertise, investment, and resources, Harrington Discovery Institute and the ADDF will advance Alzheimer's disease drug discovery projects of great promise in academic institutions nationwide.

"We are so pleased to enhance our partnership with the ADDF and further support groundbreaking Alzheimer's disease research," commented Dr. Jonathan Stamler, M.D., president, Harrington Discovery Institute. "Millions of patients and families in the US and around the world are eager for effective treatments. The ADDF has shown a sense of urgency that has made us a better organization, and we share their commitment to advancing neurological discoveries of great promise."  

The keystone of the collaboration is the ADDF-Harrington Scholar Award, which provides funding and drug development support to both M.D. and Ph.D. scientists across the U.S., to help advance discovery into the clinical realm. In addition to financial support of up to $600,000, ADDF-Harrington Scholars also receive hands-on direction from pharmaceutical industry leaders in Harrington Discovery Institute's Innovation Support Center, who have extensive experience bringing research to the market. ADDF-Harrington Scholars also have facilitated access to BioMotiv, the mission-driven development company associated with The Harrington Project.   

Alzheimer's is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease for which there are currently no drugs available to prevent or even slow its course. "Through our collaboration with the Harrington Discovery Institute, we are accelerating the development of effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias," said Dr. Howard Fillit, founding executive director and chief science officer of Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. "Our mission is to find cures for these degenerative diseases, and this partnership increases funding for innovative research and helps transform early discovery into medicines for patients who really need them."

The partnership between Harrington Discovery Institute and the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation began in 2014. The renewed collaboration will extend for three years and will launch with a call for proposals this month.