Bliss Family Fund to Advance Cellular Therapies for WM
Bliss Family Fund to Advance Cellular Therapies for WM supports academic investigators' trials of novel cellular and immune-engaging therapies to improve treatment of Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
Funder: International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation
Due Dates: November 9, 2026 (Submission deadline) | Rolling (Subsequent cycles; quarterly review)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 USD; program page lists 3–5 years, while the RFP lists 2–4 years
Summary: Supports investigator-initiated trials of novel cellular immunotherapies and immune-redirection strategies to advance treatment of Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
Key Information: Applicants needing study drugs must secure manufacturer agreement for supply before applying; grant funds cannot cover drug costs.
Description
The Bliss Family and the International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF) support independent academic investigators conducting innovative clinical trials for Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). The fund seeks distinctly novel approaches with strong scientific and clinical rationale, including autologous or allogeneic cell therapies, CAR-T or CAR-NK platforms, bispecific and trispecific immune engagers, dual-target engineered therapies, and rational immune-based combinations.
Studies should pursue meaningful patient benefit within three to five years through deeper, more durable remissions, complete responses, measurable residual disease negativity, improved disease control, or proof-of-concept supporting larger trials. Strategies addressing WM-associated immune dysfunction, T-cell exhaustion, immune paresis, and the immune microenvironment are also of interest. These may include sequencing approaches or earlier intervention in high-risk populations. Correlative studies are welcome when they strengthen interpretation of clinical findings and inform future therapeutic development.
