Treat FTD Fund: Clinical trials for FTD (frontotemporal degeneration | worldwide)

Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

The Treat FTD Fund: Clinical trials for FTD from The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) and the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation support the development of drugs or devices for FTD disorders while building a better understanding of FTD pathophysiology, biological mechanisms of disease, and analytically and clinically validated biomarkers with a well-defined context-of-use. This call seeks to support early-stage clinical trials incorporating:

  1. biological mechanisms that have a sound scientific rationale for FTD
  2. biomarkers that would permit evaluation of target engagement, downstream pharmacologic effect, and biological effect
  3. trial designs aligned with constraints associated with a rare disease population
  4. clinical outcome measures that could provide a deeper understanding of the drug mechanism and disease progression
  5. therapeutics applicable to sporadic or genetic forms of FTD. Trials of treatments applicable in sporadic FTD are especially encouraged.

Funding is open to researchers and clinicians worldwide at:

  • Academic medical centers and universities; non-profits. Industry partnerships are encouraged.
  • Biotechnology companies (existing companies or new spinouts) that demonstrate a clear need for non-profit funding. Funding is provided through mission-related investments (MRIs) that require a return on investment based on scientific and/or business milestones. Both existing companies and new spinouts are eligible.

The funding provides up to 250,000 USD for 1 to 3 years, based on the stage and scope of the trial. Co-funding from other funding agencies or investors is encouraged.

Letters of Intent are due on March 30, 2026, and invited full proposals are due on June 1, 2026.