What You Should Know:
– The American Brain Foundation has launched a $10 million cross-disciplinary research initiative that transcends traditional research and philanthropy boundaries by bringing together nonprofit organizations, pharmaceutical and biotech investors, philanthropists, and researchers.
– The initiative will provide funding for research by top neuroscientists to investigate the role of neuroinflammation in a wide range of brain diseases, both neurologic and psychiatric, including conditions as disparate as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, long COVID-19, and autism. The research initiative is part of the American Brain Foundation’s existing Cure One, Cure Many program, which promotes innovative, cross-cutting approaches to brain disease diagnosis and treatment.
Accelerating Breakthroughs in Brain Health: A Collaborative Approach to Understanding Neuroinflammation
The American Brain Foundation is dedicated to advancing research across the full spectrum of brain diseases and disorders, recognizing that breakthroughs in one area may pave the way for cures in others. Through a holistic approach, the Foundation promotes the building of cross-disease bridges to foster groundbreaking research and its application.
Neuroinflammation as a Core Focus
Neuroinflammation, an immune response within the brain and spinal cord, is implicated in nearly all of the more than 600 known brain diseases. It plays a complex role across all life stages, from fetal development to aging, and is involved in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), encephalitis, and COVID-19-associated brain disease. These diseases collectively impact 60% of the U.S. population and over 3 billion people globally, affecting core human functions such as thought, speech, emotion, and movement.
Large-Scale, Multi-Phased Initiative
To address this critical area of brain health, the Foundation has launched a large-scale, multi-phased research initiative to deepen understanding of neuroinflammation’s role in neurological disease. In 2025, the Foundation will award Phase 1 grants from an initial $5 million fund, while raising an additional $5 million for Phase 2. This funding will support both new projects and continued funding for promising Phase 1 projects to advance translational research.
Unprecedented Cross-Industry Collaboration
Spearheading an unprecedented cross-industry partnership, the American Brain Foundation has brought together scientists, pharmaceutical organizations, venture and private philanthropists, and advocacy groups, including the National MS Society, the Encephalitis Society, the NFL Players Association, Gates Ventures, and the WoodNext Foundation. As the Foundation’s primary research partner, the American Academy of Neurology will play a central role in evaluating applications and selecting grant recipients, under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Hauser, director of UCSF’s Weill Institute for Neurosciences.
The Foundation’s collaborative and cross-disciplinary efforts mark a significant advancement in the fight against brain diseases. With neuroinflammation as a focal point, this initiative holds potential to reshape treatment strategies across a vast array of brain disorders.
“The NFLPA proudly joins hands with the American Brain Foundation in advancing this extraordinary $10 million neuroinflammation initiative,” said Dr. Thom Mayer, medical director for the NFL Players Association. “We are proud to be part of this historic collaboration, uniting diverse stakeholders to tackle the impact of neuroinflammation on brain health. Together, we aim to improve diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and ultimately discover cures for these conditions.”
