Verified

The Role of RSV in Functional Decline and Healthcare Dependency in Hospitalized Adults

Pfizer

This competitive program seeks to generate real-world evidence on the functional and non-respiratory burden of RSV infection in hospitalised adults in Italy. Independent research projects will focus on characterising functional decline, loss of independence, and healthcare dependency following RSV-related hospitalisation in older adults and patients with pre-existing vulnerability, using routinely collected hospital data. Findings are intended to support a more comprehensive understanding of RSV's impact beyond the acute respiratory event, informing improved risk stratification of vulnerable patients, targeted prevention strategies, and post-discharge care pathways for adult populations at increased risk of functional decline.

Project Types and Area of Interest

Projects considered for support will focus on the role of RSV infection in nonrespiratory outcomes in hospitalised adults, with emphasis on functional decline, cardiovascular complications, and post-acute healthcare dependency. Area of interest include:

• Characterisation of hospitalised adults with RSV infection, including demographics, comorbidities, and markers of baseline vulnerability

• Indicators of acute functional stress during RSV-related hospitalisation, including prolonged length of stay, need for higher-level care, and in-hospital complications

• Post-discharge functional proxies and healthcare dependency, such as hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and discharge to rehabilitation or long-term care facilities

Funding Range and Project Length

Individual projects requesting up to EUR 150,000.00 will be considered. Maximum project length is 18 months. The estimated total available budget related to this RFP is EUR 300,000.00.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

Direct alignment with Pfizer’s therapeutic focus areas, such as:
- Oncology
- Vaccines
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Rare diseases
Projects addressing unmet medical needs are prioritized

👉 Misalignment with Pfizer’s current RFP (Request for Proposals) is a major rejection factor

🎯 2. Clear Impact on Patient Outcomes

Pfizer strongly favors proposals that demonstrate:

Improved patient care or clinical outcomes
Real-world applicability (not purely theoretical research)
Measurable endpoints (e.g., survival, quality of life, adherence)

👉 Compared to academic grants, practical impact is more heavily weighted

🧪 3. Robust Study Design & Methodology

Successful applications typically include:

Well-defined study protocols
Appropriate statistical plans
Feasible recruitment strategies

👉 Weak methodology is one of the most common rejection reasons

👩‍⚕️ 4. Investigator Credentials & Track Record

Proven publication record in the relevant field
Prior clinical research experience
Institutional support and infrastructure

👉 Early-career applicants can succeed, but usually with:

Strong mentorship
Clear feasibility

🏥 5. Institutional Capability

Access to:
- Patient population
- Clinical facilities
- Data management systems
Experience in conducting industry-sponsored trials

🤝 6. Independence & Transparency

For Pfizer grants (especially IIR):

Research must be investigator-initiated and independent
Clear disclosure of:
- Conflicts of interest
- Data ownership
Pfizer does not control study outcomes

💰 7. Realistic & Justified Budget

Budget must align with:
- Study scope
- Timeline
Overinflated or vague budgets reduce success chances

📑 8. Compliance with RFP Requirements

Strict adherence to:
- Proposal format
- Submission guidelines
- Required documentation

👉 Non-compliance can lead to automatic disqualification

🌍 9. Geographic & Strategic Priorities

Pfizer often prioritizes:
- Regions with high disease burden
- Projects aligned with global health strategies

⏳ 10. Feasibility & Timeline

Clearly achievable milestones
Realistic timelines
Defined deliverables

📊 Summary: Key Predictors (Ranked)

Highest impact factors:

Alignment with Pfizer RFP & therapeutic area
Patient-centered impact
Strong methodology

Moderate predictors:
4. Investigator track record
5. Institutional capability
6. Feasibility

Supporting factors:
7. Budget clarity
8. Compliance
9. Independence & transparency

💡 Insider Insight

Unlike Horizon Europe or NIH-type grants:

👉 Pfizer funding is more application-driven than theory-driven
👉 “Will this improve patient care soon?” is the central evaluation lens

Specialties

Others

Pharmacology

Pharmaceuticals

Eligibility Requirements

• The institution and Principal Investigator (PI) must be based in Italy.

• Only organizations are eligible to receive grants, not individuals or medical practice groups (i.e., an independent group of physicians not affiliated with a hospital, academic institution, or professional society).

• Research projects may only be conducted within institutions recognized for their research activities. Potential recipients can be: Research Institutes (IRCCS, Universities, ASLs, Hospitals), Scientific Societies, Scientific Medical Associations, Local/Regional Institutions, Public/Private Consortia, Cooperative Societies.

• If the project involves multiple departments within an institution and/or between different institutions / organizations / associations, all institutions must have a relevant role and the requesting organization must have a key role in the project.

• The PI must have a medical or postdoctoral degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent), an advanced nursing degree (BSN with a MS/PhD), or a degree in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, or Social Work.

• The applicant must be the PI or an authorized designee of such individual (e.g., PI’s research coordinator).

• The PI must be an employee or contractor of the requesting organization.

• It is necessary for the proposing body/institution to formally assume all responsibilities related to the role of study sponsor (in accordance with the provisions of Decree-Law 211 and the Ministerial Decree on Non-Profit Activities of 17 December 2004), including compliance with all the requirements necessary to request approval from the Ethics Committee, where applicable, and the reporting requirements provided by the relevant authorities.

• Requesting organization must be legally able to receive award funding directly from Pfizer LLC. We strongly recommend that applicants confirm this with their organization or institution prior to submitting an application. Grants awarded to organizations that are subsequently found to be unable to accept funding directly from Pfizer LLC may be subject to rescission.

Eligible Countries:

Italy

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Pfizer

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 66 Hudson Boulevard East, New York, NY 10001

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