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

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity number RFA-NS-27-007

View the official notice on Grants.gov
858 days left (deadline Feb 20, 2029)

Details summarized from the official notice as of Oct 16, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.

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Key facts

Opportunity numberRFA-NS-27-007
AgencyNational Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)93.395, 93.866, 93.839, 93.867, 93.838, 93.846, 93.840, 93.213, 93.273, 93.853, 93.837, 93.233, 93.279, 93.865
PostedJun 16, 2026
DeadlineFeb 20, 2029
Expected number of awards3
Estimated total program funding$11,000,000
Cost sharing or matching requiredNo
Funding typeCooperative agreement
CategoryHealth
Last updated hereOct 16, 2026

Summary from the notice

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

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

  • Private colleges and universities
  • Federally recognized tribal governments
  • Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)
  • Public and Indian housing authorities
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • Special district governments
  • State governments
  • County governments
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • Other Native American tribal organizations
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Small businesses
  • City or township governments
  • Public and state colleges and universities
  • Independent school districts

Who should take a closer look

  • Small businesses
  • Nonprofits
  • Colleges and universities
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments and organizations
  • Larger for-profit companies

Not listed as eligible

  • Individuals

Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.

Eligibility details from the notice

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.

Registrations you will likely need

Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.

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