Submit Applications for Pfizer Research Grant Program (US)

The Pfizer Investigator-Sponsored Research (ISR) Grant 2026 supports interventional clinical studies evaluating brentuximab vedotin in novel combination therapies for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma–not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). Eligible U.S.-based organizations can apply for funding of up to $500,000 for projects lasting up to three years.

Pfizer Investigator-Sponsored Research Grant 2026: Up to $500,000 for Clinical Studies in AITL and PTCL-NOS

The Pfizer Investigator-Sponsored Research (ISR) Grant Program invites proposals for investigator-led interventional clinical studies that generate new clinical evidence on the use of brentuximab vedotin in treating angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma–not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS).

The programme aims to address important scientific and clinical knowledge gaps by supporting research into novel combination therapies that may improve outcomes for patients with these rare and aggressive forms of T-cell lymphoma.

Program Overview

Pfizer is seeking high-quality investigator-sponsored research that evaluates the safety and efficacy of brentuximab vedotin-based combination therapies for AITL and PTCL-NOS.

Proposed studies should be supported by a strong scientific rationale based on:

• Disease biology.
• Mechanism of action.
• Clinical evidence.
• Translational research.

Research may evaluate treatment approaches regardless of CD30 expression, provided the scientific justification is clearly explained.

Funding Amount

Successful applicants may request:

• Up to $500,000 per project

Funding covers:

• Direct research costs.
• Institutional overhead costs (up to 28%, according to Pfizer policy).
• Eligible indirect costs.

Number of Awards

Pfizer expects to fund:

• One to two projects

Project Duration

Projects may last for:

• Up to three years

Research Focus

The funding opportunity focuses on:

• Oncology.
• Hematology.
• Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL).
• Peripheral T-cell lymphoma–not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS).

Research Priorities

Proposals should address one or more of the following:

• Novel brentuximab vedotin combination therapies.
• Clinical evidence generation.
• Treatment safety.
• Treatment efficacy.
• Mechanism-based therapeutic approaches.
• Disease biology.
• Innovative interventional clinical trials.
• Therapeutic strategies irrespective of CD30 expression.
• New treatment combinations supported by scientific rationale.

Eligible Studies

Pfizer is specifically seeking:

• Interventional clinical studies.
• Investigator-sponsored clinical research.
• Prospective clinical trials.
• Studies evaluating novel combination therapies.
• Research that fills important clinical evidence gaps.

Projects should generate meaningful clinical evidence that may improve future treatment strategies for AITL and PTCL-NOS.

Who Can Apply?

Only organizations based in the United States are eligible to receive funding.

Eligible organizations include:

• Academic institutions.
• Hospitals.
• Research institutions.
• Professional societies.
• Other eligible U.S.-based research organizations capable of conducting clinical research.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

• Individual applicants.
• Organizations located outside the United States.
• Medical practice groups that are not affiliated with:
  • Hospitals.
  • Academic institutions.
  • Professional societies.

Eligibility Criteria

The requesting organization must:

• Be based in the United States.
• Be legally able to receive funding directly from Pfizer Inc.
• Serve as the primary organization responsible for the project.
• Have a meaningful role if collaborating with multiple institutions.

If multiple organizations participate:

• Each organization must have a clearly defined research role.
• The lead applicant must play a central role in the project.

Principal Investigator (PI) Requirements

The Principal Investigator must:

• Be employed by or contracted with the requesting organization.
• Serve as the PI or authorize a designated applicant.
• Hold one of the following qualifications:
  • MD.
  • PhD.
  • Equivalent doctoral degree.
  • Advanced nursing degree.
  • Pharmacy degree.
  • Physiotherapy degree.
  • Social Work degree.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure Requirements

Applicants must disclose whether AI tools were used during proposal preparation.

If AI was used, the application should include:

• The name of the AI tool(s).
• How the AI tool was used.
• How the AI-generated content was reviewed.
• How the information was validated for accuracy.

Applicants remain fully responsible for:

• Scientific accuracy.
• Originality.
• Compliance with Pfizer’s application requirements.
• Integrity of the submitted proposal.

How to Apply

Applicants should generally follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility requirements.
2. Develop an investigator-sponsored interventional clinical study.
3. Ensure the study addresses the research priorities for AITL or PTCL-NOS.
4. Prepare a detailed research proposal, including:
   • Study rationale.
   • Objectives.
   • Methodology.
   • Clinical endpoints.
   • Budget.
   • Timeline.
5. Include any required AI disclosure information.
6. Submit the completed application according to Pfizer’s funding guidelines.

Why This Research Matters

AITL and PTCL-NOS are rare and aggressive hematologic malignancies with limited treatment options.

This funding opportunity helps researchers:

• Generate high-quality clinical evidence.
• Explore innovative treatment combinations.
• Improve patient outcomes.
• Address unmet medical needs.
• Advance precision oncology.
• Improve future standards of care.

The supported research may contribute to better understanding and management of difficult-to-treat T-cell lymphomas.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposal by:

• Presenting a strong scientific rationale.
• Clearly identifying unmet clinical needs.
• Demonstrating methodological rigor.
• Including realistic timelines and budgets.
• Defining measurable clinical endpoints.
• Explaining the biological rationale for the proposed combination therapy.
• Ensuring complete compliance with Pfizer’s submission requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Proposing studies outside the specified disease areas.
• Submitting observational rather than interventional studies.
• Providing weak scientific justification.
• Failing to disclose AI use where applicable.
• Submitting incomplete institutional documentation.
• Including ineligible organizations or investigators.
• Presenting unrealistic budgets or timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Pfizer Investigator-Sponsored Research Grant?

It is a competitive research funding programme that supports investigator-led interventional clinical studies evaluating novel brentuximab vedotin combination therapies for AITL and PTCL-NOS.

How much funding is available?

Eligible organizations may request up to $500,000 per project.

Who can apply?

Only eligible U.S.-based organizations may apply. Individual researchers cannot receive funding directly.

What research topics are eligible?

Eligible studies must focus on AITL or PTCL-NOS, evaluating novel brentuximab vedotin-based combination therapies through interventional clinical research.

What qualifications must the Principal Investigator have?

The PI must hold an MD, PhD, equivalent doctoral degree, advanced nursing degree, or a degree in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, or Social Work, and must be affiliated with the requesting organization.

Is AI use allowed when preparing the application?

Yes. However, applicants must disclose any AI tools used, explain how they were used, and describe how AI-generated content was reviewed and validated before submission.

Why is this funding important?

The programme supports research addressing significant clinical gaps in the treatment of rare T-cell lymphomas, helping generate evidence that may improve future therapies and patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The Pfizer Investigator-Sponsored Research Grant 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for U.S.-based research institutions to conduct innovative clinical studies on brentuximab vedotin for AITL and PTCL-NOS. With funding of up to $500,000 and a project period of up to three years, the programme supports scientifically rigorous research that has the potential to improve treatment strategies and advance care for patients with these challenging hematologic cancers.