Pfizer is proud to announce the 2012 ASPIRE Junior Investigator Awards in Pediatric Vaccine Research: Current State of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Otitis Media in Children <6 years of Age in the United States

Mission

Support research through a competitive grants program that advances medical knowledge of vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases

Background

In February 2010, Prevnar 13 (PCV13) was approved by the FDA and also recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to replace PCV7 in children. Surveillance programs are integral to understanding the impact of vaccines and also the current epidemiology of the diseases they help to prevent. Since PCV13 immunizations began in mid-2010 there have been preliminary data from the CDC surveillance system on the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease over the past two years. The data presented to date have been focused on incidence of invasive infections and in some cases seroepidemiology. The focus of the ASPIRE 2012 Junior Investigator Awards in Pediatric Vaccine Research is to further evaluate the current state of pneumococcal disease in children < 6 years of age in the United States.

2012 Research Topic

Current State of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Otitis Media in Children <6 years of Age in the United States

Research Requirements

Applicants should have a strong interest in research within the area of focus and should consider the following components when developing their research proposals:

Current State of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) and /or otitis media (OM) in children <6 years of age in the United States

• Focus on the clinical features of IPD and/or OM, including drug resistance patterns and serotyping when available, post-introduction of PCV13 in study population. Consider use of control group as historical comparison
• Ability to assess vaccination history with PCV and other recommended pediatric vaccines
• Evaluating risk factors associated with the cases of IPD and/or OM
• Underlying diseases- (e.g., asthma, HIV, sickle cell disease or asplenia, malignancy, transplant or immunosuppressive therapies)
• Environmental or social factors- (e.g., group child-care, number of siblings, extended family, second-hand smoke exposure)

Research Expectations

Investigators are expected to:

• Assess the impact of PCV13 on the epidemiology of IPD and/or OM in children in the US (comparison to historical local data prior to implementation of PCV13 may be considered)
• Be able to complete the research in 12 months
• Present and/or publish the results of the study

Prospective evaluations are preferred. However, well-designed retrospective analyses may also be considered for interventions that have already been implemented provided the design allows for clear delineation of the intervention’s effect.

Available Awards

Pfizer is funding research awards up to a maximum of $40,000 USD each, inclusive of overhead costs for one year. Application is open to US investigators. Selection of awardees will be performed by an independent, external review committee comprised of medical and scientific experts.

Deadline for Application

Applications must be received by 11:59pm EDT on July 9, 2012.