Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation Taps Former USAID Deputy Administrator as CEO
Event summary
- Isobel Coleman appointed CEO of Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), effective March 23, 2026.
- Coleman brings experience from McKinsey, U.S. government roles, and most recently as Deputy Administrator of USAID overseeing $35B annual portfolio.
- ADDF has awarded nearly $400M to fund 792 Alzheimer's drug development programs across 21 countries.
- Organization focuses on venture philanthropy model for Alzheimer's drug discovery.
The big picture
The appointment comes as Alzheimer's research reaches a critical juncture with advances in AI diagnostics and prevention strategies. Coleman's background suggests a potential shift toward more complex, multi-stakeholder collaborations. The ADDF's venture philanthropy model has already produced commercial diagnostic tools, positioning it uniquely to bridge academic research and biotech development.
What we're watching
- Strategic Pivot
- How Coleman's international development experience will shape ADDF's approach to global Alzheimer's research partnerships.
- Precision Medicine
- Whether ADDF can accelerate progress toward combination therapies and precision medicine approaches in Alzheimer's treatment.
- Funding Momentum
- The pace at which ADDF maintains its $400M funding level for drug development programs under new leadership.
Related topics