Bringing Us Closer to a Cure · study by Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, now at Stanford University, to clinically test the role of a particularly promising growth factor in protecting the

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Macular Degeneration Research

National Glaucoma Research

Bringing Us Closer to a Cure

Dear Friends,

During 2015, BrightFocus continued to grow its impact on diseases of mind

and sight—jumpstarting more innovative research for treatments and cures,

creating valuable new resources for families, and serving as a thought leader

with key advocacy groups and scientific alliances across the globe.

This year BrightFocus awarded more than $11 million in research grants across

our three science programs—Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and

glaucoma. This is our highest level of commitment ever toward finding cures.

With one in sixteen Americans now living with at least one of the diseases,

it is imperative that we accelerate our efforts.

In the past three years alone, we have made a record investment in new

scientific research, and are managing a portfolio of 150 promising projects

worldwide to explore new

treatments and technologies.

Researchers funded by

BrightFocus—identified by

leading experts on our scientific

review committees—often go on to receive funding from the National

Institutes of Health and other sources that is ten times the amount of

the initial BrightFocus award. This is a strong indicator of the impact that

BrightFocus has in advancing the frontiers of new discoveries.

Through our expanded public awareness campaigns and new partnerships

with respected coalitions, BrightFocus has increased its visibility in key arenas.

We have spoken at Capitol Hill briefings in support of greater federal research

funding, and our researchers have had a major presence at international

scientific conferences. Additionally, we have grown our social media and web

presence to better help people understand and manage these diseases.

We thank our donors and volunteers for your generous commitment. Your

support enables BrightFocus to continue to better accelerate our mission of

saving mind and sight for families today and for generations still to come.

STACY PAGOS HALLER GRACE FRISONE

President and CEO Chair, Board of Directors

150 promisingprojects worldwide

C O N T E N T S

2 LEADERSHIP LETTER

4 ALZHEIMER’SDISEASERESEARCH

6 MACULARDEGENERATIONRESEARCH

8 NATIONALGLAUCOMARESEARCH

10 2015 GRANT RECIPIENTS

13 SCIENTIFICREVIEWCOMMITTEES

15 PARTNERS

16 WAYS TO GIVE

18 FINANCIALHIGHLIGHTS

19 BOARD &LEADERSHIP

www.brightfocus.org

O U R M I S S I O N

BrightFocus drives

innovative research

worldwide and

promotes awareness

of Alzheimer’s,

macular degeneration,

and glaucoma.

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T

A Greater Insight forAlzheimer’s Disease

Research

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting

more than five million Americans. It is an irreversible degeneration of

the brain and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States

with no known cause or cure.

Unless medical breakthroughs can prevent or cure this

disease, it is estimated that the number of Americans

age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s will reach more than

7 million by 2030, and by 2050, nearly 14 million.

A BrightFocus-funded clinical trial, launched this

year in partnership with the Geoffrey Beene Gives

Back Alzheimer’s Initiative, is testing whether a short

mobile phone-based cognitive assessment might

replace lengthier traditional testing. The new test,

which measures a soldier’s thought processes

after a concussion, is now being evaluated for

Alzheimer’s disease.

This year, Alzheimer’s Disease Research awarded

$5.9 million to 32 new research projects. Since inception,

the program has awarded 542 grants, totaling more

than $93.7 million. This research has resulted in a

greater understanding of the disease and has helped

move us closer to a cure.

Collaborative Research Can Find The Cure

4

BrightFocus Foundation sponsored the biannual Alzheimer’s Fast Track

conference, a three-day workshop on new science about the disease.

Attended by researchers from around the world, the sessions feature

some of the leading international experts on Alzheimer’s.

With this conference, we not only bring young scientists up to speed

on the latest research, we also provide an invaluable opportunity for

these researchers to engage with leaders in the field to explore bold

new ideas and approaches.

F O S T E R I N G G R E A T E R A W A R E N E S S

Alzheimer’s Fast Track

Stephen Strittmatter, MD, PhD, co-founder of the Yale Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, holds the Vincent Coates Professorship of Neurology.

On a 2015 National Public Radio program, Dr. Strittmatter discussed his BrightFocus- funded research that focuses on how amyloid beta damages neurons. His goal is to identify a new therapy that will block this crucial aspect of Alzheimer’s disease.

His groundbreaking research has been recognized by several leading organizations including the Ameritec Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, and the American Academy of Neurology.

“Finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is the most important goal for me personally, for neurology, and for public health today,” said Dr. Strittmatter.

R E S E A R C H S P O T L I G H T

An Enormous Challenge Stephen Strittmatter, MD, PhD

What’s a misconception about Alzheimer’s that needs to be changed?

That individuals are ‘'fated'‘ to get AD. Work on preventive medicine in families with

history of AD.

What’s the best way for an average person to

help researchers?

Encourage science literacy, especially in

school-aged kids.

Alzheimer’s Research is:

—Alzheimer’s research is

interdisciplinary.

—Equal parts important,

diff icult, and underfunded.

These are just a few of the many insights shared by researchers attending the 2014 Alzheimer’s Fast Track conference.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE IN THE UNITED STATES

A Growing Epidemic

millionnow5 million

by 20307 millionby 205014

52 0 1 5 B R I G H T F O C U S A N N U A L R E P O R T

A Greater View forMacular Degeneration

Research

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is

the leading cause of visual impairment and

irreversible vision loss in the United States.

For Caucasians older than 40, it is the leading cause of legal blindness.

As many as 11 million Americans have some type of AMD, including both

the early and later stages of the wet and dry types, and that number is

expected to double to nearly 22 million by 2050.

This year Macular Degeneration Research awarded 18 new research

grants totaling more than $2.5 million. Since its inception, the program

has awarded 178 grants totaling more than $18.4 million supporting

research into the causes and potential treatments of this incurable disease.

BrightFocus provides many platforms for sharing scientific ideas and data

including our open access, online journal, Molecular Neurodegeneration.

We recently partnered with the XVIth International Symposium on Retinal

Degeneration conference to facilitate rapid sharing of key discoveries in

AMD research.

We Envision a Brighter Future

“As a scientist, I’m compelled to better understand the underlying mechanisms for age-related macular degeneration in order to develop more effective

therapies for preventing and treating this devastating disease. This award will

support my research and bring me closer to achieving

this important goal.”

Q I U H O N G L I , P h D

U N I V E R S I T Y O F F L O R I D A

6

A dedicated family man,

successful entrepreneur, and a

pilot in the Royal Canadian Air

Force during World War II—Ivan

Bowen truly was one of “The

Greatest Generation.”

Established by Bowen’s family

after his death in 2012, the Ivan

Bowen Family Foundation is

providing generous support to

Macular Degeneration Research.

Hazel Bowen, foundation board

member and retired professor

of nutritional science, now also

shares her late father’s diagnosis

of macular degeneration.

“My father had a wonderful

ability to relate to everyone and

everything around him,” said

Ms. Bowen. “My family and I want

to honor his memory by investing

in early-stage research to find a

cure for this debilitating disease.”

A D O N O R ’ S S T O R Y

Ivan Bowen: Investing in a Brighter Future

were direct health care costs.billion$255

Of that,

is theestimated

cost of visualimpairment

in the world due toadvanced AMD.

billion$343

will have visualimpairment fromadvanced AMD.

millionpeople40

By 2020

have visual impairment fromadvanced AMD worldwide.

millionpeople33


Of that,

is theestimated



billion$343


millionpeople40

By 2020


millionpeople33


Of that,

is theestimated



billion$343


millionpeople40

By 2020


millionpeople33

In addition to advancing early-stage research, we are working to

reach the public with timely information on eye disease. We offer the BrightFocus Chats, a telephone call-in series, to provide tips and advice for those living with vision loss.

Our monthly featured speakers include BrightFocus researchers, clinicians, and low-vision specialists. The Chats foster a dialogue with those diagnosing, treating, and managing vision diseases.

This free resource, also available by transcript and audio on our website, addresses the questions and concerns of callers. In-depth information is the hallmark of the Chats.

E N G A G I N G T H E P U B L I C

Roughly million people have advanced AMD.2

Incidence is expected to

double by 2050.


A Greater Vision forNational Glaucoma

Research

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that

can damage the optic nerve and result in

vision loss and blindness. According to the

World Health Organization, glaucoma is now the second leading cause of

irreversible blindness worldwide.

More than 60.5 million people around the world have glaucoma. This

number could increase to almost 80 million by 2020, given the aging of

the world’s population.

More than 3 million Americans are living with glaucoma, but only half of

them know that they have it. That is why early detection is key since the

disease can be treated to help individuals maintain vision. Glaucoma is a

leading cause of blindness among Hispanics and African Americans.

While anti-glaucoma medications can be effective in addressing pressure

in the eye, there is currently no medication for the damage that glaucoma

causes to the optic nerve. That is why BrightFocus recently funded a major

study by Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, now at Stanford University, to clinically test

the role of a particularly promising growth factor in protecting the optic

nerve from damage by glaucoma.

This year, National Glaucoma Research awarded 15 new research grants

totaling more than $2.4 million. The program has awarded 360 research

projects totaling more than $26.7 million since 1979.

Saving Vision Through Research

8

Targeting the rapidly increasing rates of

glaucoma and macular degeneration,

BrightFocus Foundation launched an

award-winning new Public Service

Announcement (PSA) campaign, “Make

a Plan Today: Get Your Eyes Checked”,

featuring powerful first-person accounts

from persons living with vision disease.

“Regular eye exams can help prevent vision loss and better control any damage that

may have already occurred,” said Stacy Pagos Haller, BrightFocus president and CEO,

who added that many vision diseases have no symptoms in their early stages. “The

goal of our campaign is to help people take better charge of their eye health,” Haller said.

P U B L I C O U T R E A C H

New PSA Promotes Better Eye Health

Dr. Welsbie is an assistant professor of ophthalmology

at Johns Hopkins University’s Wilmer Eye Institute. Dr. Welsbie and his team are focused on the use of functional genomic screening in retinal ganglion cells—the cells that are injured in glaucoma—to identify potential targets for new drug treatments.

Glaucoma patients are treated with therapies ranging from eye drops to surgery. “All of these treatments work the same way, by lowering eye pressure,” says Dr. Welsbie, “Rather than focus on pressure, we are trying to develop a therapy using a strategy called neuroprotection to prevent damage. With BrightFocus’ support, we are trying to develop drugs that might prevent nerve cell death.”

R E S E A R C H S P O T L I G H T

A New Focus Dr. Derek Welsbie, MD

and only half are likely aware that they have it.Three million

Americans age 40 and over

are living with

Individuals with vision loss discuss how it has affected their lives.

P U B L I C O U T R E A C H

New Resources for FamiliesBrightFocus recently released new informative publications to support families of those affected by vision loss including:

THE TOP FIVEQUESTIONS TOASK YOUR EYEDOCTORPreparing ahead of time can help you best manage your vision health.

Here are some questions you can take along when you visit the eye doctor:

1 Am I at risk for developing an eye disease?

2 What tests will we be doing today, and do they include a dilated eye exam to check for diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration?

3 How should I best monitor my eye health?

4 How often do you recommend I return for a comprehensive eye exam?

5 Are there lifestyle changes I can make to prevent or reduce my risk of eye disease?


Alzheimer’sDisease ResearchFrancesca Bartolini, PhD*Microtubule Stabilization Pathways in Alzheimer’s DiseaseColumbia University $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Matthew Campbell, PhD*A Novel Way of Removing Toxic Material From the Brains in Early Alzheimer’s DiseaseTrinity College Dublin $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Karen Chiang, PhDThe impact of Aß on the Spread of Tau Toxicity in the BrainUniversity of California (San Diego)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Albert Davis, MD, PhDDoes the APOE Gene Regulate Protein Aggregation in PD?Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Jason Gestwicki, PhD*Control of Normal Tau Levels by Molecular ChaperonesUniversity of California (San Francisco)$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Jorge Ghiso, PhD*Effect of Aging and Dysfunction of Cerebral Microvasculature in Alzheimer’s DiseaseNew York University School of Medicine$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0Recipient of The Virginia Faber Memorial Award for Alzheimer’s Disease Research.

Stacy Grunke, PhDNetwork Disruption and Recovery Following Cell Loss in Early Stage Alzheimer’s DiseaseBaylor College of Medicine (Houston)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Marie-Victoire Guillot-Sestier, PhDRelative Contribution of Central vs. Peripheral Immune Cells in Cerebral Amyloid Beta ClearanceUniversity of Southern California$ 9 9 , 6 4 6

Veer Bala Gupta, PhDStudying Proteins in Blood to Detect Alzheimer’s Disease at an Early StageEdith Cowan University (Australia)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Francis Hane, PhDUsing a Molecular Probe to Predict the Onset of Alzheimer’s DiseaseLakehead University (Canada)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Ulrich Hengst, PhD*Spread of Alzheimer’s Disease Along Neuronal ConnectionsColumbia University $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Makoto Ishii, MD, PhD*Identifying How Fat Hormones That Regulate Body Weight Are Affected in Alzheimer’s DiseaseJoan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University$ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0

Umesh Jinwal, PhDDefining the Role of Tau and Kinase Regulator Chaperone Protein Cdc37 in Alzheimer’s DiseaseUniversity of South Florida (Tampa)$ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0

Celeste Karch, PhD*Defining the Role of Phospholipase D3 in Alzheimer’s DiseaseWashington University School of Medicine (St. Louis)$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Frank LaFerla, PhD*Investigating Mechanisms that Link Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer’s DiseaseUniversity of California (Irvine)$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Bruce Lamb, PhD*The Role of TREM2, a Key Immune Regulating Protein, in Alzheimer’s Disease Lerner Research Institute (Cleveland)$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Daniel Lee, PhD*Gene Therapy with Arginine Decarboxylase and the Regulation of TauUniversity of South Florida (Tampa)$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Joseph H Lee, DrPH*Genome Search for Genetic Modifiers of Alzheimer Disease Age of OnsetColumbia University $ 2 4 9 , 3 3 2This grant is made possible in part by a bequest from the Estate of Frederick J. Pelda.

Jada Lewis, PhD*Decreasing Expression of a Toxic Protein in Alzheimer’s DiseaseUniversity of Florida$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

2015BrightFocus

GRANTRECIPIENTS

Most grant awards last two years and will run

until June 2017, while awards marked with an

asterisk (*) will run until June 2018. Collectively

these contribute to a nearly $27 million research

portfolio of more than 150 awards managed

during fiscal year 2015.

10

2015 BrightFocus GRANTS AT A GLANCE

55% BASIC RESEARCH GRANTS

11%CLINICAL RESEARCH GRANTS

34% TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH GRANTS

Ming-Hsuan Ou-Yang, PhDHow BACE1 Regulates Learning and Memory Through Molecular ScissorsNorthwestern University$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Donald Redelmeier, MD, FRCPC, MSHSR, FACP*A New Way to Recover From a Concussion and Avoid Alzheimer’s DiseaseSunnybrook Research Institute (Canada)$ 1 5 9 , 8 8 8This grant is made possible by a bequest from the Lillian H. Reeves Annuity.

Erik Roberson, MD, PhD*A New Approach to Targeting Tau in Alzheimer’s Disease by Inhibiting its Interaction with FynUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0This grant is made possible in part by a grant from the Jerome Jacobson Foundation.

Jerome Robert, PhDDevelopment of a New Model of Brain Vasculature in the Test TubeUniversity of British Columbia$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Charles Sanders, PhD*How Does the TREM2 Help the Brain to Clean Out Molecular “Garbage” that Contributes to Alzheimer’s Disease? Vanderbilt University Medical Center$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Juan Troncoso, MD*Alzheimer’s Disease, Before Plaques and TanglesJohns Hopkins University$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0This grant is made possible by a bequest from the Howlett Revocable Trust.

Benjamin Wolozin, MD, PhD*Harnessing Reversible Protein Aggregation to Treat Alzheimer’s DiseaseBoston University$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Ryohei Yasuda, PhD*Identifying the Role of a Brain-Specific Protein Centaurin- 1 in Alzheimer’s DiseaseMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (Jupiter)$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

Tracy Young-Pearse, PhD*A Personalized Medicine Approach to Developing New Alzheimer’s Disease TreatmentsBrigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston)$ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0

Zhentao Zhang, MD, PhDA New Method to Predict Alzheimer’s DiseaseEmory University$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Macular DegenerationResearchMarie Burns, PhDWindow to Health: New Ways to Detect the First Signs of Cell Sickness in the EyeUniversity of California (Davis)$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0This grant is made possible in part by a grant from the Ivan Bowen Family Foundation.

Ivan Conte, PhDMicroRNAs in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Novel Molecules for Future TherapiesFondazione Telethon (Italy)$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Tim Corson, PhDNew Drugs to Treat Abnormal Blood Vessel Growth in Wet Macular DegenerationIndiana University School of Medicine$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Noriko Esumi, MD, PhD The Helen Juanita Reed Memorial Award

Resistance to Oxidative Stress: A New Strategy for Age-Related Macular DegenerationJohns Hopkins University$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Continued on next page.


Stefanie Hauck, Dr. rer. nat. (PhD)Identification of Protein Complexes Binding to Genomic Age-Related Macular Degeneration Risk VariantsHelmholtz Zentrum Muenchen GmbH (Germany)$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Mikael Klingeborn, PhDThe Role of Cell-Derived Lipid Vesicles in Early and Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration Duke University Eye Center$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Aparna Lakkaraju, PhD The Charlotte and Alexander Danilevsky

Memorial AwardInsight Into the Formation of Harmful Deposits in the RetinaUniversity of Wisconsin$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Alfred Lewin, PhD The Elizabeth Anderson Award

A Novel Antioxidant Therapy for Retinal DegenerationUniversity of Florida$ 1 2 0 , 0 0 0

Qiuhong Li, PhDEnhancing Endogenous Protective Pathways as Therapeutic Intervention for Age-Related Macular DegenerationUniversity of Florida$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Goldis Malek, PhD The Carolyn K. McGillvray Memorial Award

The Role of an Immune Cell Attractant in a Blinding DiseaseDuke University$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Ernesto Moreira, MDUsing Patient-Derived Stem Cells as a New Model to Study Disease Mechanisms in Age-related Macular DegenerationMedical University of South Carolina$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Eric Yin Shan Ng, PhDTLR2 as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Wet Age-Related Macular DegenerationThe Schepens Eye Research Institute (Boston)$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Steven Nusinowitz, PhDScotopic Critical Flicker Fusion in Preclinical Age-Related Macular DegenerationJules Stein Eye Institute (UCLA)$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0This grant is made possible in part by a bequest from the Anne E. Greene Trust.

Diana Pauly, Dr. rer. nat. (PhD)Can Proteins Block Inflammation in the Eye and Ameliorate Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Pathology?University Hospital Regensburg (Germany)$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Ruchira Singh, PhDUnderstanding the Role of Different Cells in the Eye That Are Affected in Age-Related Macular DegenerationUniversity of Rochester Medical Center$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0

Hongli Wu, PhDThe Role of Glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2) in Age-Related Macular DegenerationUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center (Fort Worth)$ 1 6 0 , 0 0 0This grant is made possible in part by a bequest from the Stuart Blydenburgh Trust.

National GlaucomaResearchAudrey Bernstein, PhD*Improving Cellular Degradation to Reverse the Effects of Exfoliation SyndromeMount Sinai School of Medicine (New York)$ 5 0 , 0 0 0

Vicki Chrysostomou, PhDCan Exercise Protect the Optic Nerve Against Glaucoma?Centre for Eye Research Australia, The University of Melbourne$ 9 9 , 7 0 5

John W. Crabb, PhDBiomarkers for GlaucomaThe Cleveland Clinic Foundation$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Adnan Dibas, PhDProtecting Vision by BlockingProtein ChannelsUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center (Fort Worth)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Rafael Grytz, PhD The Thomas R. Lee Award

A New Methodology to Quantify Collagen Remodeling in GlaucomaUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Yonju Ha, PhD The Marguerite Wilke Memorial Award

Chemokine Receptor Signaling in GlaucomaThe University of Texas (Galveston)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Caroline Klaver, MD, PhDIn Search of Genetic Causes for Glaucoma in African PopulationsErasmus Medical Center (Netherlands)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Guorong Li, MDA Novel Non-Contact Method for Early Glaucoma Diagnosis and MonitoringDuke University Eye Center$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Thao Nguyen, PhDMeasuring the Effects of Structure on the Deformation of the Optic NerveJohns Hopkins University$ 9 9 , 9 1 1This grant is made possible in part by a bequest from the Margaret Louise Rigby Trust.

Darryl Overby, PhDMechanisms of Pressure Regulation in the EyeImperial College London$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Vijay Krishna Raghunathan, PhDEffects of Glucocorticoids on Trabecular Meshwork Mechanics and CompositionUniversity of California (Davis)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Julia Richards, PhD The Dr. Douglas H. Johnson Award

Validating a New Angle-Closure Glaucoma GeneUniversity of Michigan $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

Judith West-Mays, PhDGenes Involved in Closed Angle GlaucomaMcMaster University (Canada)$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

2015 BrightFocus GRANTRECIPIENTS (CONTINUED)

12

Alzheimer’sDisease Research

CO-CHAIRS:David R. Borchelt, PhDUniversity of Florida

Edward Koo, MD University of California (San Diego)

COMMITTEE:

M. Flint Beal, MD The New York Hospital-Cornell MedicalCenter (New York)

Guojun Bu, PhDMayo Clinic (Jacksonville)

George Carlson, PhDMcLaughlin Research Institute (Great Falls, MT)

Mark D’Esposito, MDUniversity of California (Berkeley)

Steven Estus, PhDUniversity of Kentucky (Lexington)

Matthew Frosch, MD, PhDMassachusetts General Hospital (Boston)

Douglas Galasko, MD University of California (San Diego)

Charles G. Glabe, PhD University of California (Irvine)

Alison M. Goate, DPhilWashington University (St. Louis)

Yukiko Goda, PhDRIKEN Brain Science Institute (Japan)

Todd E. Golde, MD, PhDUniversity of Florida College of Medicine

John Hardy, PhD, FMedSci, FRSUniversity College London

Julie Harris, PhDAllen Institute for Brain Science(Seattle)

David M. Holtzman, MDWashington University School of Medicine(St. Louis)

William Jagust, MDUniversity of California (Berkeley)

John “Keoni” Kauwe, PhDBrigham Young University (Provo, UT)

Cynthia A. Lemere, PhDHarvard Medical SchoolBrigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston)

Allan I. Levey, MD, PhDEmory University

Ronald K. Liem, PhDColumbia University

Hendrik Luesch, PhDUniversity of Florida

John M. Olichney, MDUniversity of California (Davis)

David P. Salmon, PhDUniversity of California (San Diego)

Gerard Schellenberg, PhDUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (Philadelphia)

Jane M. Sullivan, PhDUniversity of Washington School of Medicine(Seattle)

Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhDHarvard Medical SchoolMassachusetts General Hospital (Boston)

David B. Teplow, PhDUniversity of California (Los Angeles)

Gopal Thinakaran, PhDUniversity of Chicago

Ronald B. Wetzel, PhDUniversity of Pittsburgh

Tony Wyss-Coray, PhDStanford University Medical School

Riqiang Yan, PhDCleveland Clinic Foundation

BrightFocusSCIENTIFIC REVIEW

COMMITTEES

Some of the world’s leading experts on Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration

and glaucoma serve on the BrightFocus Scientific Review Committees. All applications

for BrightFocus research funding are peer-reviewed and rated on the basis of scientific

merit, with the goal of discovering a treatment or cure for these diseases.

We encourage researchers to propose their groundbreaking ideas.


Kristine Yaffe, MDUniversity of California (San Francisco)

Hui Zheng, Ph.D. Baylor College of Medicine (Houston)

Macular DegenerationResearch

CHAIR:

Joe G. Hollyfield, PhDThe Cleveland Clinic Foundation

COMMITTEE:

Bela Anand-Apte, PhD The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Robert E. Anderson, MD, PhDUniversity of Oklahoma Health Sciences

John D. Ash, PhDUniversity of Florida

Catherine Bowes Rickman, PhD Duke University

Deborah Ferrington, PhDUniversity of Minnesota

Michael B. Gorin, MD, PhDUniversity of California (Los Angeles)

Claire Harris, PhDCardiff University (Wales)

Alfred S. Lewin, PhDUniversity of Florida

John Penn, PhDVanderbilt Eye Institute

Nancy J. Philp, PhDThomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia)

Sylvia B. Smith, PhD Georgia Regents University (Augusta)

National GlaucomaResearch

CHAIR: John C. Morrison, MDOregon Health Sciences University (Portland)

COMMITTEE:

R. Rand Allingham, MDDuke University Eye Center

Claude F. Burgoyne, MDDevers Eye Institute (Portland)

Abbot F. Clark, PhD University of North Texas HealthScience CenterNorth Texas Eye Research Institute(Fort Worth)

Anne L. Coleman, MD, PhDJules Stein Eye InstituteDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Adriana Di Polo, PhDUniversity of Montreal

C. Ross Ethier PhD Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University School of Medicine

Thomas F. Freddo, OD, PhDUniversity of WaterlooWaterloo (Canada)

Jeffrey L. Goldberg, MDUniversity of California (San Diego)

Richard Libby, PhD University of Rochester Medical Center

Nicholas Marsh-Armstrong, PhDJohns Hopkins University

Stuart McKinnon, MD, PhDDuke University

Robert W. Nickells, PhDThe University of Wisconsin

Ian A. Sigal, PhD University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Arthur J. Sit, MDMayo Clinic College of Medicine(Rochester, MN)

W. Daniel Stamer, PhD Duke University Eye Center

James N. Ver Hoeve, PhD University of Wisconsin

Monica Vetter, PhDUniversity of Utah

Mary Wirtz, PhDOregon Health Sciences University (Portland)

Darrell WuDunn, MD, PhDIndiana University

BrightFocus SCIENTIFIC REVIEWCOMMITTEES (CONTINUED)

We have a rigorous peer-review process in which renowned scientific leaders identify the most promising research to support.

14

PARTNERSHIPSFOR CURES

BrightFocus works closely with other nonprofit organizations and corporations to advocate for persons impacted by these

diseases. We collaborate with partners in the health and science communities, interact with key policymakers, and have spoken regularly on Capitol Hill on behalf of greater

federal research and more support for caregivers.

International Reach Global PartnersBrightFocus knows no boundaries and

has funded research in 22 countries. Our

scientific review committees identify the

most promising research—no matter where

it is conducted.

We partner with four European countries

on Alzheimer’s disease research. This

network also generates critical funding

and public information to advance research

and educate millions around the globe.

Stichting Alzheimer Onderzoek

Ligue Europeenne Contre La Maladie d’Alzheimer

Alzheimer Forschung Initiative e.V.

Internationale Stichting Alzheimer Onderzoek


WAYS TO GIVE—MOVING CLOSER

TO A CURE

Thanks to our generous donors for investing

in a cure for current and future generations.

Together we are moving closer to ending

these diseases of mind and sight.

BrightFocus

Foundation is

supported by

thousands of individuals,

private foundations, and

corporations. You can

direct your gift to one or

more of our programs

that advance research

and promote public

awareness. We offer a

wide range of contribution

options to accommodate your resources and

charitable goals. Whether you are donating in honor

of or in memory of a loved one, each donation

helps sustain our mission to educate the community

and help find a cure. You can also leave a lasting

legacy with a bequest or life income gift

to BrightFocus.

“…BrightFocus

is remarkably

transparent, showing

off all of its recent

grant recipients and

providing links to

their research from

their website…”

I N S I D E

P H I L A N T H R O P Y ,

M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

Sowing the Seeds of Scientific Progress

BrightFocus-funded researchers often go on to receive awards TEN TIMES GREATER

from NIH and other sources, a

on our early investment.1,000% return

16

Charlotte and Alexander Danilevsky: A Legacy of Commitment

Charlotte and Alexander Danilevsky were high

school sweethearts in Prague, Czech Republic,

but didn’t marry until decades later when they

met in New York City. Alexander, an engineer, had

previously worked in Argentina while Charlotte had

studied in Paris and later moved to America.

The Danilevskys were married for 25 years. Charlotte,

a French language editor and photojournalist, would

accompany Alexander on international trips where

he would write and she would take photographs.

When Alexander developed macular degeneration,

Charlotte helped him with his writing as his

disease slowly progressed over a period of 15 years

until his death in 2007.

They began donating to

Macular Degeneration

Research (MDR) in 2004, and

subsequently included MDR

in their estate plans. MDR is

now utilizing their generous

bequest to fund research

with the hope that others will

be spared what Alexander

had suffered.

Thanks to their charitable

spirit, BrightFocus

announced the Charlotte

and Alexander Danilevsky

Memorial Award for Macular

Degeneration Research

at an international vision conference earlier this year.

Their dedication to a cure continues.

J.T. Tai & Co. Foundation: Funding Research for a Cure

The J.T. Tai & Co. Foundation has provided generous

funding to BrightFocus’ Alzheimer’s Disease

Research program since 2006. The late J.T. Tai, a

renowned antiques dealer born in Wuxi, China,

established the foundation in the 1980s, and today,

Y.C. Chen, his friend and an employee of his company

for more than 40 years, oversees the daily operations.

According to Mrs. Chen, the

foundation has always had a

special interest in supporting

cutting-edge scientific

research because of the

enormous impact that early

funding can provide.

“We are so pleased to be able

to support this important

and innovative research

in the search for a cure for

Alzheimer’s disease,” said

Mrs. Chen. “Mr. Tai felt that

medical researchers are very

important to helping people

live healthy lives, so he

wanted to support young researchers who may have

the next breakthrough in curing disease. We continue

this mission, which meant so much to him.”

Through the longstanding commitment of the J.T.

Tai & Co. Foundation, more BrightFocus researchers

will advance their projects to create a greater

understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.

They begandonating

to Macular Degeneration

Research(MDR) in 2004

The late J.T. Tai, established the J.T. Tai & Co. Foundationin the 1980s.

Many BrightFocus donors have special connections to the research programs

that they support. We are honored to share two of those stories with you.

Donor Spotlight2 0 1 5 B R I G H T F O C U S A N N U A L R E P O R T

17

Consolidated Statement of ActivitiesFOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

Consolidated Statement of Financial PositionAS OF MARCH 31, 2015

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

BrightFocus is a nonprofit

organization designated under

Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal

Revenue Code. All contributions to

BrightFocus and its programs

are tax-deductible to the extent

allowed by law. The foundation

is supported entirely by voluntary

private contributions.

BrightFocus Foundation 2015 Expense Percentage

*BrightFocus received in-kind donations to expand public health

information outreach and these are included in Program Services

expenses. This allowed the organization to reach millions of people

with information about risk factors, treatments, and caregiving.

A complete copy of the financial statement audited by Raffa, P.C.,

is available upon request from BrightFocus at 1-800-437-2423 or

www.brightfocus.org.

S U P P O R T & R E V E N U E

Contributions and Grants $ 20,896

Bequests 7,051

Donated Services 11,474

Investment Income 1,626

Rental & Other Income 1,330

TOTAL SUPPORT & REVENUE $ 42,377

E X P E N S E S

P R O G R A M S E R V I C E S

Research $ 14,263

Health Information Services 18,406

TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES $ 32,669

S U P P O R T I N G S E R V I C E S

Fundraising $ 5,152

Management and General 2,743

TOTAL SUPPORTING SERVICES $ 7,895

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 40,564

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS $ 1,813

A S S E T S

Cash and Investments $ 39,816

Charitable Trusts and Bequests Receivable 3,285

Rental Property 3,970

Fixed Assets, Net 4,793

Other Assets 989

TOTAL ASSETS $ 52,853

L I A B I L I T I E S

Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities $ 749

Grants Payable 17,587

Charitable Gift Annuities 1,352

TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 19,688

N E T A S S E T S

Unrestricted $ 20,299

Temporarily Restricted 12,776

Permanently Restricted 90

TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 33,165

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 52,853

80%Programs* Research and Health Information

7% Management

13% Fundraising

in thousands of dollars

in thousands of dollars

18

OUR SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

CHAIRGrace FrisoneJ. P. Morgan & Co., Inc., retiredSaratoga Springs, NY

VICE CHAIRMichael H. Barnett, Esq.Lieber & Associates, LLCNew York, NY

TREASURERNicholas W. Raymond, USA (Ret.)M&T Bank, retiredSilver Spring, MD

SECRETARYScott D. Rodgville, CPAGorfine, Schiller & Gardyn, PAOwings Mills, MD

HONORARY MEMBERS

Paul A. Greengard, PhDNobel LaureateNew York, NY

Stanley B. Prusiner, MDNobel LaureateSan Francisco, CA

Maddy DychtwaldAge WaveSan Francisco, CA

June KinoshitaFacioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Society Waltham, MA

Judith LeeJ. P. Morgan & Co., Inc., retiredNantucket, MA

Diane I. MarcelloSunnyside Health ServicesSarasota, FL

Henry J. Pownall, PhDHouston Methodist Research InstituteHouston, TX

Brian K. Regan, PhDNew York-Presbyterian Hospital and Healthcare SystemNew York, NY

Ed Schoonveld ZS AssociatesNew York, NY

PRESIDENT & CEOStacy Pagos Haller

VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS Michael Buckley

VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENTDonna Callison

VICE PRESIDENT, SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRSGuy Eakin, PhD

VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIONDavid F. Marks, CPA, CMA

LEADERSHIP

BrightFocus BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014 – 2015


ProgramsAlzheimer’s Disease Research

Macular Degeneration Research

National Glaucoma Research

Contact22512 Gateway Center DriveClarksburg, MD 208711-800-437-2423www.brightfocus.org

Connectwww.brightfocus.org

Integrity

PARTNERS IN TRUST

Valued Partner

Exchange

Copyright © 2015 BrightFocus Foundation

Documents

Bringing Us Closer to a Cure · study by Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, now at Stanford University, to clinically test the role of a particularly promising growth factor in protecting the