[National Institutes of Health](https://www.nih.gov/)

January 26, 2026 (estimated)

Not yet specified; milestone-driven, phased cooperative agreements (UG3/UH3).

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.

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. --- ## Due Dates - Estimated application due date: **January 26, 2026** - Estimated NOFO publication date: **November 24, 2025** - Estimated award date: **September 24, 2026** - Estimated project start date: **November 26, 2026** --- ## Funding Amount - Award size and duration: **Not yet specified.** - Funding mechanism: **Milestone-driven, phased cooperative agreements (UG3/UH3).** - Cost sharing/matching: **Not required.** --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State governments - County governments - Independent school districts - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Private institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) - Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) - For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) - Small businesses --- ## Application Process - Applications are **not being accepted at this time**; this is a forecasted opportunity. - The official NOFO will be published with detailed application instructions. - Applicants are encouraged to begin developing collaborations and project plans in anticipation of the NOFO release. - The cooperative agreement will require milestone-driven progress and collaboration with NIH program staff. --- ## Additional Information - The program excludes basic research, therapeutic device development, and studies beyond Phase I. - Projects are expected to be ready for first-in-human studies at the end of the grant period. - Investigators with expertise in pain therapeutics development, pain biology, drug development, clinical testing, and statistical design are encouraged to consider applying. --- ## External Links - [Grant Opportunity Forecast on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359161) - [NIH HEAL Initiative](https://heal.nih.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Institute | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------| | Mohamed Hachicha, PhD | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke | [mohamed.hachicha@nih.gov](mailto:mohamed.hachicha@nih.gov) | 301-496-1779 |

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

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