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

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

Agency: National Institutes of Health

Assistance Listings: 93.853 -- Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders

93.395 -- Cancer Treatment Research

93.846 -- Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research

93.279 -- Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs

93.273 -- Alcohol Research Programs

93.233 -- National Center on Sleep Disorders Research

93.840 -- Translation and Implementation Science Research for Heart, Lung, Blood Diseases, and Sleep Disorders

93.839 -- Blood Diseases and Resources Research

93.213 -- Research and Training in Complementary and Integrative Health

93.837 -- Cardiovascular Diseases Research

93.838 -- Lung Diseases Research

93.865 -- Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

93.866 -- Aging Research

93.867 -- Vision Research

Last Updated: June 16, 2026

View version history on Grants.gov

Description

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.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Education

Private institutions of higher education
Public and state institutions of higher education
Independent school districts

Government

Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
Public and Indian housing authorities
Special district governments
State governments
County governments
City or township governments

Miscellaneous

Other

Nonprofit

Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)
Other Native American tribal organizations

Business

For-profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses

Additional information

Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International CollaborationsNon-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.

Grantor contact information

Description

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) PTDP@ninds.nih.gov

Email

PTDP@ninds.nih.gov

Documents

File name	Description	Last updated
RFA-NS-27-007-Full-Announcement.html	RFA-NS-27-007-Full-Announcement.html	Jun 16, 2026 03:42 PM UTC

Link to additional information

Closing: February 20, 2029

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$11,000,000

Program Funding

Expected awards

$--

Award Minimum

$--

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

RFA-NS-27-007

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

Funding instrument type:

Cooperative agreement

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

Category of Funding Activity:

Health

Category Explanation:

History

Version:

Posted date:

June 16, 2026

Archive date:

April 21, 2029