National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) Company Profile

Background

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), established in 1981, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Novato, California. Dedicated to supporting individuals affected by alopecia areata—a prevalent autoimmune skin disease leading to hair loss—NAAF's mission encompasses driving research for cures and treatments, providing support to those impacted, and educating the public about the condition. The foundation envisions an empowered community with the choice to embrace or live free of alopecia areata.

Key Strategic Focus

NAAF's strategic objectives are centered on:

• Research Advancement: Funding and facilitating studies to uncover safe, effective treatments and potential cures for alopecia areata.

• Community Support: Offering resources, support groups, and educational materials to individuals and families affected by the disease.

• Public Education and Advocacy: Raising awareness and advocating for policies that benefit the alopecia areata community.

These goals are pursued through initiatives like the Industry Partner Program (IPP), which collaborates with biopharmaceutical companies to accelerate treatment development.

Financials and Funding

In the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, NAAF reported:

• Total Revenue: $3,613,350

• Total Expenses: $2,545,046

• Net Assets: $3,319,173

Revenue sources included contributions and sponsorships ($2,646,475), special events ($510,946), and program service fees ($256,841). Program expenses accounted for 75% of total expenses, with fundraising and administrative expenses comprising 16% and 9%, respectively.

Pipeline Development

NAAF actively funds and supports research projects aimed at understanding and treating alopecia areata. Recent initiatives include:

• Autoimmune Regulator Function Study: Investigating how loss of the AIRE gene leads to hair loss, potentially uncovering new therapeutic targets.

• Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery: Developing an injectable hydrogel for sustained, localized release of baricitinib, aiming to enhance treatment efficacy and safety.

These projects are in progress, reflecting NAAF's commitment to advancing scientific understanding and treatment options.

Technological Platform and Innovation

NAAF has been instrumental in establishing resources like the National Alopecia Areata Registry, which operated from 2000 to 2015. This registry collected data from over 11,000 individuals, facilitating over 40 studies and leading to significant discoveries, such as identifying eight genes linked to alopecia areata. These findings have been pivotal in understanding the disease's genetic and autoimmune components.

Leadership Team

NAAF's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to the foundation's mission:

• Nicole Friedland: President & CEO, overseeing strategic direction and operations.

• Jeanne Rappoport: Chief Administrative Officer, managing administrative functions.

• Laura Maciag: Chief Operating Officer, responsible for daily operations.

• Robert Baker III: Chief Growth Officer, focusing on organizational growth strategies.

• Lisa Anderson, PhD: Senior Director of Research, leading research initiatives.

These leaders bring diverse expertise to advance NAAF's objectives.

Leadership Changes

In recent years, NAAF has seen leadership transitions, including the appointment of Nicole Friedland as President & CEO, succeeding previous leaders. These changes reflect the foundation's ongoing evolution to meet its mission effectively.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Alopecia areata affects approximately 7 million Americans, with the U.S. market valued at around $110 million in 2022. The market is expected to undergo significant growth by 2032, driven by emerging therapies and increased awareness.

Competitor Analysis

Key players in the alopecia areata treatment landscape include:

• Eli Lilly: Developed OLUMIANT (baricitinib), an FDA-approved JAK inhibitor for alopecia areata.

• Concert Pharmaceuticals: Developed CTP-543 (deuruxolitinib), an investigational JAK inhibitor with positive Phase III trial results.

• Pfizer: Developed ritlecitinib, a dual inhibitor targeting JAK3 and TEC family kinases, currently under regulatory review.

These companies are advancing treatment options, contributing to a dynamic competitive landscape.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

NAAF's Industry Partner Program (IPP) collaborates with biopharmaceutical companies to accelerate treatment development. Notable partners include:

• Bristol Myers Squibb

• Legacy Healthcare

• Sanofi

• AbbVie

• Zura Bio

These partnerships enhance research efficiency and foster innovation in alopecia areata treatments.

Operational Insights

NAAF's strategic initiatives, such as the Walk For Alopecia, have successfully engaged the community and exceeded fundraising goals, demonstrating strong operational effectiveness. The foundation's focus on research funding, community support, and advocacy positions it as a leader in addressing alopecia areata challenges.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, NAAF aims to:

• Expand Research Funding: Increase support for innovative studies to uncover new treatments and potential cures.

• Enhance Community Engagement: Develop programs that address the psychosocial impact of alopecia areata.

• Strengthen Advocacy Efforts: Influence policy changes to improve access to treatments and support services.

By leveraging its established partnerships and community support, NAAF is well-positioned to drive meaningful progress in the field.

Contact Information

For more information, visit NAAF's official website.

NAAF maintains a strong presence on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to engage with the community and provide updates on initiatives and events.