UK DRI: A £30 million partnership for the development of new dementia treatments

Overview

We have launched a 5-year strategic partnership with the UK DRI to tackle neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, motor neuron disease (MND), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Parkinson’s disease. The partnership brings together the strengths of UK DRI’s research into discovery science with our expertise in translating promising lab discoveries into new tests and treatments for patients.  

About the partnership

Launched in 2022, the LifeArc–UK DRI partnership is backed by a £30 million commitment from ourselves to support dementia research at the UK DRI’s 6 host universities. The aim is to bridge the gap between early-stage discovery science and clinical application. 

We bring decades of experience in technology transfer and therapeutic and diagnostic development, while UK DRI contributes groundbreaking fundamental research into the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Together, we are collaborating to identify and fund projects with the highest potential for clinical impact. By reducing the risks associated with early-stage research and attracting investment from pharmaceutical companies and biotech partners, the partnership will help bring innovative solutions to patients faster. 

Projects funded so far

The first £14.5 million of the £30 million partnership has been allocated to 7 high-potential neurodegeneration research projects. 

The projects receiving the funding are: 

1. Developing a small molecular drug target to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS and a form of MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), led by Prof Adrian Isaacs (UK DRI at UCL) 
2. A low cost highly scalable diagnostic approach for Alzheimer’s, led by Prof Sir David Klenerman (UK DRI at Cambridge) 
3. Identifying new combinations of existing drugs to treat motor neuron disease (MND), led by Prof Siddharthan Chandran (UK DRI Director) 
4. A unique gene therapy approach for ALS and FTD, led by Dr Marc-David Ruepp (UK DRI at King’s) 
5. Repurposing an anti-anxiety drug to treat small vessel disease, led by Prof Paul Matthews (UK DRI at Imperial) 
6. Developing an antibody therapy targeting complement, part of the innate immune system for Alzheimer’s, led by Prof Paul Morgan and Dr Wioleta Zelek (UK DRI at Cardiff) 
7. Digitally enhanced care for people affected by dementia, led by Prof David Sharp (UK DRI Care Research & Technology) 

About dementia

Dementia is a global health crisis affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide, including 900,000 in the UK, which is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. It encompasses a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, MND, Parkinson’s, and FTD, which damage the brain and nervous system. 

These conditions impair memory, cognition, motor function, and daily life, progressively worsening over time. Despite advancements in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying these diseases, there are still no effective treatments to slow, halt, or prevent their progression. 

The work funded by us and UK DRI aims to accelerate progress in the field and has the potential to significantly improve the lives of people affected by dementia and their families.