Skip to content
HCN Grants Est. 2026
No. RFA-NS-27-007 · National Institutes of Health
Open

HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)

Dealbreakers No cost share required Audit: not stated Reimbursement-only: not stated

At a glance

No plain-language summary yet for this grant — the official description below is the best source.

What it funds

  • Health
  • Technology & Product Development
  • Patients & People with Health Conditions
  • Biomedical & Disease Research
Official description from grants.gov

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support the preclinical optimization and development of safe, effective, and non-addictive small molecule and biologic therapeutics for the treatment of pain. The goal of the program is to accelerate the advancement of promising early-stage therapeutic candidates and facilitate their readiness for Phase II clinical trials. Applicants must have a promising small molecule or biologic lead candidate for optimization, a strong biological rationale for the proposed approach, and established assays to guide the optimization process. The scope of the program includes lead optimization, early-stage development activities, IND-enabling studies, development of pharmacodynamic and/or target engagement biomarkers, preparation and submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, and Phase I clinical testing. This is a milestone-driven, phased cooperative agreement program that involves active participation by NIH program staff in project planning and ongoing monitoring of research progress.

Who can apply

  • City or township governments
  • County governments
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Independent school districts
  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
  • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
  • Others
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
  • Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
  • Small businesses
  • Special district governments
  • State governments
Geographic restriction None found in the announcement — likely nationwide