ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS · COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
- Deadline
- Feb 20, 2029 (850 days left)
- Who can apply
- Others
- Award range
- Not stated
- Expected awards
- 3
- Total program funding
- $11 million
- Your own money required
- No cost sharing or matching required
- Opportunity number
- RFA-NS-27-007
- Posted
- Jun 16, 2026
- Assistance listing
- 93.867
More on who can apply
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.
What it funds
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.
Open the official notice on Grants.gov ↗What to do next
- Open the official notice on Grants.gov and download the full announcement (the NOFO) and any attachments.
- Check you can apply: the eligible applicants above, and any detail in the notice's eligibility section.
- Register your organization in SAM.gov (choose "all awards") and create a Grants.gov account; allow several weeks the first time.
- Apply through Grants.gov exactly as the notice says, before Feb 20, 2029. Late applications are usually not accepted.
New to this? Applying for a federal grant, step by step · Register to apply · How to read the notice · Write the narrative · Build the budget · Agency contact: PTDP@ninds.nih.gov
From Grants.gov's official daily extract of Oct 25, 2026. The notice on Grants.gov and its attachments are what count. UX Contract is independent and not a government website.