NIH Bridge Funding Sustains Alzheimer's Research Network After Grant Rejection
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The Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN), a global research consortium studying rare genetic forms of Alzheimer's, has secured bridge funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after a larger grant renewal was rejected. The network's work has contributed to the development of approved Alzheimer's drugs and continues to study early intervention. Its international sites are currently supported by the Alzheimer's Association.
Facts First
- The NIH rejected a $13 million grant renewal for the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN) but provided approximately $8 million in bridge funding.
- DIAN studies families with rare gene mutations that cause Alzheimer's symptoms to appear in a person's 40s or 50s.
- Research from DIAN families helped pave the way for the market release of amyloid-targeting drugs lecanemab and donanemab.
- Congress and the president approved a $100 million increase in NIH funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research in February.
- A critical grant review for DIAN has been delayed until May, shortly before its bridge funding is scheduled to end.
What Happened
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) rejected a grant renewal application that would have provided $13 million in its first year to the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN). Instead, the NIH offered approximately $8 million in bridge funding for the year. The government ended all funding for DIAN's international sites, which are currently being temporarily sustained by the Alzheimer's Association. In February, Congress and the president approved a $100 million increase in funding to the NIH for Alzheimer's and Dementia research. A review of DIAN's grant application has been delayed until May, shortly before the scheduled end of the group's bridge funding.
Why this Matters to You
Research on these rare, inherited forms of Alzheimer's may provide crucial insights into the broader disease, which affects millions. The development of drugs like lecanemab and donanemab, which DIAN research helped advance, could eventually benefit a wider population of patients. The recent $100 million increase in federal Alzheimer's research funding suggests continued government prioritization of this field, which may lead to more breakthroughs. However, delays in grant reviews and reduced funding for DIAN could slow the pace of discovery.
What's Next
The NIH's review of DIAN's grant application is now scheduled for May, and the outcome of this review will determine the network's long-term funding. DIAN's international sites may need to seek alternative long-term support if NIH funding is not restored. The network's research continues, including assessing side effects of amyloid drugs and studying whether reducing amyloid very early can delay symptoms in people with the mutation.