Program overview

This funding mechanism will provide support for combination clinical trials (Phase 1-3) in AD/ADRD, including drug-drug combinations and drug plus behavioral intervention combinations. Priority will be given to proposals that: (1) test complementary mechanisms of action with strong biological rationale; (2) incorporate biomarker-based inclusion criteria and biomarker outcomes to demonstrate target engagement and or downstream biological impact; and (3) address how approved or investigational anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies targeting beta amyloid are incorporated into, compared within, or otherwise considered in the combination strategy.

The proposed study must evaluate a combination strategy that includes at least two therapeutic approaches:

• Drug-drug, drug-behavioral intervention, drug/device, and other drug/non-pharmacological combination approaches are allowed. The rationale for the combination approach must be rigorously scientifically justified. Devices used in combinations must have been clinically validated, and with clear regulatory approval or INE (or equivalent) designation to be included in the approach.
• Investigators are strongly discouraged from using cognition as the primary outcome measure for the interventions.
• Studies must include biomarker-based inclusion criteria, if appropriate for the indication being considered, and incorporate biomarker outcomes, if appropriate for the indication being considered, suitable for assessing target engagement, pathway modulation, and/or disease biology. If therapies are intended to target Alzheimer’s disease biology, inclusion criteria must be based on biomarker evidence.
• Proposals must address the role of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatments within the design, including whether they are part of the combination regimen, part of standard of care and/or background therapy, an active comparator, or explicitly excluded with justification for participants in the proposed study.
• All proposals must clearly outline the study population, endpoints, statistical plan, safety monitoring, and anticipated decision criteria for advancement to subsequent development stages.

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a full-time position at their organization that is equivalent to the level of Assistant Professor or above. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible to apply but they are able to serve on the application as key personnel.
• In general, public, private, research laboratories, medical centers, hospitals and universities are eligible to apply. For profit organizations are eligible to apply.
• Applicants CANNOT submit more than one proposal to any of the programs in the current grant competition—even if the proposals cover distinctly different topics (i.e. only one application is allowed regardless of the distinct areas of focus).
• Investigators who are delinquent in reporting to the Alzheimer’s Association are not eligible to apply.

Key dates

LOI and application submissions must be received by 5 p.m. ET by their respective deadlines. Late submissions will not be accepted - no exceptions.

• Letter of Intent due: March 26, 2026 – 5 p.m. ET
• Full application due: April 30, 2026 – 5 p.m. ET
• Award notifications: by July 15, 2026

Funding and award period

• Each Phase 2-3 PTC award is limited to a total of $2,000,000 (direct and indirect costs) for a duration of two to three years. In rare instances, up to $3,000,000 may be considered, on a case-by-case basis.
• Phase 1 projects are limited to a total of $1,000,000 total costs. Indirect costs are only allowed for non-profit organizations, and are capped at 10 percent of total direct costs, inclusive of indirect costs for any subcontracts.
• For-profit organizations are not permitted indirect costs.
• Detailed guidelines on allowed/not allowed costs are included in the Request for Applications (RFA).

Application process

• Letters of intent are required. More information can be found in the RFA and on ProposalCentral.
• Full applications must be submitted through ProposalCentral.

Application review process

• Please see “how to apply” for more information about the Alzheimer’s Association application review process. Details are also available in the RFA.

Additional information

• For more information on eligibility, application requirements, review criteria, and more, please see the RFA.
• All applicants / institutions are strongly encouraged to review the Example PTC Award Letter and Conditions (PDF) before submitting an LOI.

Contact information