HEAL Initiative: Studies to Enable Analgesic Discovery (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding for research developing non-addictive pain treatments through early drug discovery to support the Pain Therapeutics Development Program.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: May 16, 2025 (New/Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | September 17, 2025 | January 16, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | September 17, 2026 | January 15, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $350,000 direct costs per year; project period up to 3 years (max 2 years for R61, max 2 years for R33)
Summary: Supports early-stage translational research to develop non-addictive pain therapeutics, advancing projects toward preclinical drug discovery milestones.
Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed; strong biological rationale and clear milestones are required; limited submission—see eligibility.
Description
This NIH funding opportunity, part of the HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative, supports early-stage translational research to enable the discovery of safe, effective, and non-addictive therapeutics for pain. The program funds the development and validation of assays, screening for initial hits, and in vitro characterization of potential therapeutic agents (including small molecules, biologics, and natural products). The goal is to advance projects to the point where they meet the entry criteria for the Pain Therapeutics Development Program or other later-stage translational programs.
Projects may include preliminary in vivo pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and efficacy studies for sufficiently characterized agents, but clinical trials are not allowed. The program uses the R61/R33 phased award mechanism, with a focus on clear, quantitative milestones for transition between phases.
