Forecast for HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
NIH will soon offer funding for research to develop non-addictive small molecule and biologic pain treatments, supporting projects from early optimization through Phase I trials as part of the HEAL Initiative.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: January 26, 2026 (estimated)
Funding Amounts: Not yet specified; milestone-driven, phased cooperative agreements (UG3/UH3).
Summary: Funding for the discovery and development of non-addictive small molecule and biologic therapeutics to treat pain, supporting projects through early optimization to Phase I clinical studies.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not yet being accepted.
Description
Twelve NIH Institutes, led by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), intend to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support research on the discovery and development of non-addictive analgesic therapeutics (small molecules and biologics) for pain treatment. This initiative is part of the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative, aiming to address the opioid public health crisis by accelerating the development of promising pain therapeutics.
The program will fund projects spanning early optimization through Phase I development, with the expectation that all projects will be ready for first-in-human studies by the end of the grant period. The cooperative agreement structure (UG3/UH3) will involve milestone-driven progress and active participation by NIH program staff.
Researchers can conduct drug discovery and development activities in their own laboratories, and may collaborate with NIH-funded consultants and contract research organizations (CROs) with relevant expertise. The program does not support basic research, therapeutic device development, or clinical studies beyond Phase I.
This is a forecasted opportunity; the official NOFO will be published in the future to allow time for applicants to develop collaborations and responsive projects.
