Applications invited from scientists for LBD Biomarker Research Award

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) invite scientists from the biotechnology industry and academia worldwide to apply for a new collaborative research grant award entitled Lewy Body Dementia Biomarker Research Award. The goal of the program is to catalyze the discovery of innovative biomarkers that aid in early diagnosis, detection and disease monitoring of Lewy body dementias.

Lewy body dementias (LBD) are the second most common form of degenerative dementia in the elderly, affecting an estimated 1.3 million people in the United States. Yet many individuals who have LBD are misdiagnosed, most commonly with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. Developing effective biomarkers is key to helping to correctly diagnose the disease, monitor disease progression and develop effective new drugs to treat, prevent and cure LBD.

The total pool of grant funds available for fiscal year 2009 is $100,000. Applications may be submitted by non-profit academic institutions and for-profit public and private biotechnology companies.

Applications are available at www.alzdiscovery.org. The submission deadline date is November 1, 2009. Applications will be reviewed by an independent Scientific Review Committee convened by ADDF and LBDA and comprised of leading experts in the neurodegenerative disease drug discovery and development research field and biotechnology investment community. Funding will be announced in spring 2010.

Source: http://www.alzdiscovery.org