September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. We stand with everyone living with blood cancer — this month and every day.

Investigator-Sponsored Research (ISR)

Supporting research that expands our understanding of hematologic malignancies.
Independent research plays an important role in advancing scientific knowledge and improving the understanding of hematologic malignancies. Geron’s investigator-sponsored research (ISR) program supports scientifically rigorous, investigator-initiated studies that explore important clinical initiatives aligned with our research priorities.

We welcome proposals from qualified investigators whose research has the potential to generate meaningful scientific insights and improve care for people living with blood cancers.

What is investigator-sponsored research?

An ISR study is an independent research project in which the investigator or institution serves as the study sponsor and is responsible for the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of the research. ISR may be a clinical trial, real world evidence study, translational research, or pre-clinical research. Geron may provide financial and/or study drug support for proposals that align with our scientific and medical priorities.  Investigators retain responsibility for study execution and compliance with all applicable regulatory and ethical requirements.

Scientific areas of interest

We are currently interested in proposals that advance understanding in areas including:

Icon: MoA studies Mechanistic understanding of the impact of imetelstat-driven telomerase inhibition
Icon: Combination studies Add-on or combination therapy of ESAs and imetelstat in LR-MDS.

Proposal submission

  1. Who can apply?

    Qualified investigators affiliated with academic institutions, hospitals, or other research organizations with experience conducting clinical or translational research.

  2. How are proposals reviewed?

    All proposals undergo scientific and medical review. The review consists of two phases:

    1. An initial concept phase that covers the high level detail of the study, a reasonable estimate of the costs to conduct it and any additional support that would be required of Geron.
    2. Concepts that are aligned to a research need will be requested to provide a full proposal that includes a protocol, detailed budget, and timelines. Note that a request for a full proposal is not a guarantee of approval and funding. All proposals are reviewed carefully and a final decision will be made at that time.

Considerations include

  • Scientific merit
  • Innovation
  • Feasibility
  • Potential impact on patient care
  • Alignment with Geron’s research priorities
  • Investigator and institutional research experience

Interested in submitting a proposal?

Create a profile and submit your ISR proposal through our secure application portal.

apply now