Externally Sponsored Research (ESR) — Investigator Sponsored Research (ISR) & Externally Sponsored Collaborations (ESC)

About this program

Alexion (part of AstraZeneca) funds Externally Sponsored Research to expand scientific and medical knowledge in rare diseases, offering two pathways: Investigator Sponsored Research (ISR) for unsolicited studies initiated and managed by external investigators, and Externally Sponsored Collaborations (ESC) that permit joint study design and interpretation. ISR proposals require the external investigator to assume legal and regulatory responsibility for study conduct, while ESCs allow interaction with Alexion on protocol and results. Qualified investigators with projects in Alexion’s strategic areas (hematology, nephrology, neurology, meTA+) may apply; submissions are handled by Alexion for applicants in a specified list of countries—or for proposals involving selumetinib or neurofibromatosis—and by AstraZeneca for all other geographies, and applicants must review the ESR guide for specific requirements and obligations.