Investigator Sponsored Studies (Vertex)

About this program

Vertex Pharmaceuticals funds investigator‑sponsored studies, grants, and sponsorships to support independent clinical, observational and nonclinical research, medical education, patient/advocacy programs and meeting sponsorships in cystic fibrosis and selected serious diseases (including beta thalassemia, sickle cell disease, IgA nephropathy, APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, pain and type 1 diabetes), with some opportunities region‑specific or RFP‑driven. Support includes study drug or grant funding and competitively awarded CF programs (CF Research Innovation Awards: Independent RIA $750,000 over 3 years, up to two awards; Mentored RIA up to $125,000 over 2 years, up to four awards; Vertex Innovation Awards: up to $750,000 to four projects annually; Circle of Care patient‑centric grants). Eligible applicants are independent investigators, clinicians, academic institutions, nonprofits and professional societies whose proposals align with Vertex’s stated scientific priorities and exclusions (Vertex will not fund discriminatory organizations), noting certain topics or study designs (e.g., some exa‑cel interventional trials, N‑of‑1 studies, therapeutic drug monitoring, DDIs) are not prioritized and some programs are U.S.‑only or require response to an RFP. Applications are submitted via the Vertex Request Management System and are reviewed by internal and independent committees; next CF award cycles will open in 2026.