Pfizer Alliance
QB3 coordinates several activities with Pfizer to strengthen the research collaborations between our institutions. These include an active program for sponsored research agreements, material transfers and scientist exchange.
Funding
QB3 Innolab will coordinate pre-proposal submission to Pfizer by QB3 and UCSF faculty members. Investigators who believe they have projects that would be of interest to Pfizer should contact us at innovate@qb3.org.
Pfizer’s therapeutic areas of interest include: oncology, pain, inflammation, immunology, diabetes, obesity, neuroscience and ophthalmology. Additionally, basic or applied research that is not specific to a therapeutic area will be considered. Clinical trials will not be funded.
Guide for submissions
Submit the non-confidential pre-proposal form containing applicant’s contact information, a proposed Pfizer Research Project sponsor/collaborator (if known), a one-page synopsis with clear objectives/deliverables, duration of project (not more than 2 years), and an estimated budget. We are aiming for average budgets of approximately $150K per grant, although smaller or larger budgets will be considered. Subsequent funding will depend on progress towards reaching pre-determined milestones.
If a Pfizer sponsor/collaborator is not yet identified, supply enough information for a liaison to identify potential collaborators within the Pfizer organization. Upon approval of the pre-proposal by the Steering Committee, an invitation will be made to submit a full proposal. Successful applicants will need to sign a statement of understanding.
Current projects
Fourteen collaborative projects have been initiated since the alliance was formed in 2008. The projects vary in scope and funding, and the timeframes range from one to three years. Funded projects span the diverse interests of Pfizer and the University of California, represent the broad shared research interests between faculty at UC and Pfizer scientists, working towards the goal of developing a strong program of scientific collaboration between our institutions.
Material transfers
A master agreement has been signed to enable access to Pfizer compounds. Investigators that have a project that would benefit from incorporating compounds from Pfizer should contact us at innovate@qb3.org for a material request form. A brief description of the project and the compound requirements are required.
Scientist exchange
In order to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, a program has been developed (specific to UCSF) to allow scientists from Pfizer to spend time at a lab at UCSF or a scientist from UCSF to spend time in a research lab at Pfizer. Scientists from Pfizer/UCSF should have a scientist at the reciprocal institution who are willing to host the visiting scientist and a brief description of the project to be undertaken during the scientist exchange. Please contact us at innovate@qb3.org for further details on the program.