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

January 5, 2026 (estimated, forecasted)

Not yet specified; large, multisite clinical trials supported; UG3/UH3 mechanism.

Supports planning and implementation of large-scale clinical trials evaluating interventions to reduce opioid use, improve function, and relieve pain.

This is a forecasted opportunity; application details and funding amounts will be released in the official NOFO.

--- ## Description The National Institutes of Health (NIH), led by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and several collaborating institutes, intends to support large, multisite clinical trials through the HEAL Initiative Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network. This opportunity will fund projects that evaluate the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions or management strategies aimed at reducing opioid use, improving functional outcomes, and alleviating pain across acute and chronic pain conditions. The program seeks to expand the suite of evidence-based therapeutics for pain management, benefiting patients and families affected by pain. The initiative encourages collaborative research involving clinical trials of pharmaceuticals (including repurposed drugs) and devices. This opportunity is announced in advance to allow researchers time to form collaborations and develop robust proposals. --- ## Due Dates - Estimated application due date: January 5, 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Award amounts and ceilings are not yet specified. - The program will support large, multisite clinical trials through the UG3/UH3 cooperative agreement mechanism. - Funding is expected to support both planning and implementation phases. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State, county, city, and township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Public and private institutions of higher education - Federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), other than institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - U.S. territories and possessions - Faith-based or community-based organizations - Regional organizations - Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) - Eligible agencies of the federal government --- ## Application Process - Applications are not being solicited at this time; this is an advance notice. - The official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be published with full application instructions and requirements. - Researchers interested in this opportunity are encouraged to begin developing collaborations and project concepts in anticipation of the NOFO release. --- ## Additional Information - The initiative is part of the NIH HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative. - The focus is on interventions that reduce opioid use, improve function, and address pain in a variety of disease contexts. - Both new and repurposed therapeutics, as well as device-based interventions, are encouraged. - Program uses the UG3/UH3 cooperative agreement mechanism, supporting both planning and implementation phases of clinical trials. --- ## External Links - [Full Forecast on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360385) - [NIH HEAL Initiative Overview](https://heal.nih.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Institute/Role | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Yolanda F. Vallejo, PhD| [Yolanda.Vallejo.nih.gov](mailto:Yolanda.Vallejo.nih.gov) | 301-451-1751 | National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) |

HEAL Initiative: Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network: Clinical Trial Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required)

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