The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and OnDeckBiotech, a Boston-based software company providing software tools for biotech, pharma and R&D service vendors, are partnering to provide a new platform technology for ADDF ACCESS, an open-access database that provides a network of CROs, drug development consultants and educational resources focused for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS).

By leveraging OnDeckBiotech's technology, ADDF ACCESS will increase the efficiency of contracting drug development services from scientists in academia and small biotechnology companies.

Howard Fillit, M.D., executive director and chief science officer, ADDF, said, "The new platform will streamline the process of identifying and contracting with CROs that have pharmaceutical development expertise for challenging CNS diseases. This type of expertise is critical to the success of translational CNS research programs in academia and small biotechnology companies."

"It's not uncommon for a study director to spend weeks searching for and evaluating vendors experienced with a particular model. These costly delays are an unnecessary distraction for scientific teams and any misstep can compromise an otherwise promising program," said Cliff Culver, CEO and founder, OnDeckBiotech. "We have seen significant savings of time and reduced administrative cost for both sponsors and vendors on the platform and we are confident these improvements have a positive impact on research efficiency."

ADDF ACCESS users will see improved functionalities across the platform, including direct communication with CROs and consultants, a suite of project management tools and educational resources focused for drug development for CNS diseases.

The new platform powered by OnDeckBiotech is set to go live and be fully functional in early September.