Drug Discovery

Alzheimer's Society's innovative Drug Discovery programme is an exciting new approach to developing treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Our innovative approach means that new, better treatments could be available in just seven years, bringing hope to people with dementia and their carers.

How does the programme work?

The programme aims to identify existing drugs which could be developed as effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease. As the drugs are already available they will be cheaper and quicker to translate into dementia treatments.

Leading scientists have identified six drug candidates that are now being taken forward for further testing. The three most promising candidates will then be tested in people with dementia in full clinical trials.

What is the cost?

The Drug Discovery programme is excellent value for money. We hope to test three drugs in three years at a cost of 15 million pounds.

By comparison, it costs one billion US dollars and twenty years to deliver an effective treatment from scratch.

'There are not enough clinical trials for dementia happening in the UK which is why Alzheimer's Society is responding by launching Drug Discovery. We need £4,000 everyday for the next ten years and we are asking all those concerned with dementia to help us raise this. Together we can transform hundreds of thousands of lives.'

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive

How do I donate?

• Use our secure online form to donate to the Drug Discovery programme.