HEAL Initiative: Integrative Management of Chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery (IMPOWR): Research Centers (RM1 Clinical Trial Required)
NIH supports research centers conducting clinical trials to improve integrated care for people with both chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: December 26, 2026 (Earliest submission) | January 26, 2027 (Application deadline, 5:00 PM applicant local time)
Funding Amounts: Up to $900,000 in direct costs annually for up to 5 years; $12 million anticipated for 6–8 awards
Summary: Supports clinical trials combining intervention research and implementation science to improve integrated chronic pain and opioid use disorder care.
Key Information: Each application must propose one clinical trial, partner engagement plans, and an annual pilot-project program.
Description
The NIH HEAL Initiative’s IMPOWR Phase II network supports research to improve care for people with both chronic pain (CP) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Research centers will test implementation strategies for established treatments or evaluate emerging treatments not tested in IMPOWR Phase I. Studies must combine clinical intervention research with implementation science, addressing patient and health-system outcomes to improve treatment reach, scalability, and sustainability.
The network will include 6–8 clinical studies supported by a central BEACON Coordination Center. Priorities include collaboration between pain and addiction providers, buprenorphine low-dose initiation, workforce implementation strategies, off-label medications or devices with foundational efficacy, and adaptive care strategies. Meaningful engagement with people living with CP/OUD and partners positioned to use findings in practice is required.
