Research Grant for Interventional Studies of Brentuximab Vedotin in Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (R/R DLBCL)

Pfizer's 2026 competitive research grant program is designed to support interventional Investigator Sponsored Research (ISR) studies focused on enhancing clinical understanding and real-world application of brentuximab vedotin in the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL). This funding opportunity is part of Pfizer’s broader commitment to advancing oncology care, particularly in hematologic malignancies, by fostering independent research aligned with evolving treatment paradigms. The program will consider projects that explore the use of brentuximab vedotin alone or in combination with other currently approved therapeutic agents during pre- and peri-CAR-T cell therapy stages, aiming to fill evidence gaps and inform future clinical practices. Applicants must be based in the United States, as this grant opportunity is geographically restricted to U.S.-based institutions. Eligibility is limited to organizations—individuals and unaffiliated medical practice groups are not permitted to apply. The principal investigator must hold a medical or doctoral degree (e.g., MD, PhD) or other advanced qualifications such as in nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, or social work. Additionally, the PI must be employed or contracted by the applying organization, which must also be legally authorized to receive funding directly from Pfizer. Pfizer emphasizes the importance of ensuring this funding eligibility status before submission, as grants will not be issued to institutions found ineligible post-award. Pfizer will consider funding requests of up to $500,000 per project, with an anticipated support of two to three awards. All awarded projects must be executed within a maximum timeframe of four years. Grant funds may include direct and indirect costs, with institutional overhead capped at 28%, in line with Pfizer’s policies. The financial support will be disbursed only after all necessary documentation is finalized, including an executed agreement, institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee approval, and any required regulatory approvals. The application process must be completed through Pfizer’s dedicated online platform at www.cybergrants.com/pfizer/Research. Applicants must select “Yes” for Competitive Grant, choose “Oncology – Hematology – Large B Cell Lymphoma” as the area of interest, and indicate “2026 ONC US DLBCL RES” as the program name. Applications must be submitted by March 16, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Proposals must include a complete project plan, initial study protocol, and organizational information. The review process is conducted internally by Pfizer, and all applicants will be notified via email regarding the outcome. Grant decisions will be communicated in April 2026, with project launches expected to occur in May or June 2026. Proposals should outline study goals and objectives, define the study population, and detail the study rationale and design. Evaluation metrics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, timelines, innovation components, and dissemination plans must also be addressed. While Pfizer will not participate in study design, conduct, or monitoring, it requires compliance with regulatory standards and adherence to grant agreement terms. Importantly, ISR grants cannot support studies that are already underway or have commenced without Pfizer’s prior support. Projects should also comply with Pfizer’s restrictions on capital purchases and product acquisitions, and early-career applicants are encouraged to include letters of support from mentors or collaborators. This funding opportunity provides a unique platform for clinical investigators to explore innovative applications of brentuximab vedotin in the complex therapeutic landscape of R/R DLBCL, particularly in the context of CAR-T therapy sequencing. With focused eligibility criteria and defined submission parameters, the program aims to cultivate high-impact research that can meaningfully inform clinical practice and improve patient outcomes in hematologic oncology.