HEAL Initiative-Early-Stage Discovery of New Pain Targets Within the Understudied Druggable Proteome (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Seeking pilot projects to discover new pain targets in understudied proteome for opioid addiction therapy within the HEAL Initiative, providing funding for preliminary data/tools on eligible proteins to advance pain management research.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 16, 2025 (New) | July 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | October 16, 2025 (New) | November 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | February 16, 2026 (New) | March 16, 2026 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | June 16, 2026 (New) | July 16, 2026 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 direct costs for a 1-year project; non-renewable R03 mechanism.
Summary: Supports pilot projects to identify new druggable pain targets among a defined list of understudied proteins, generating preliminary data/tools to advance pain and opioid addiction research.
Key Information: Applications must focus on eligible proteins listed in the NOFO; clinical trials are not allowed.
Description
This NIH opportunity, part of the HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative, solicits applications for pilot projects aimed at discovering new druggable targets for pain within the understudied druggable proteome. The program is designed to jumpstart research on specific, eligible understudied proteins (as listed in the NOFO) by providing funding for the generation of preliminary data and/or research tools. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the development of novel, non-addictive pain therapeutics and improve pain management, particularly in the context of opioid addiction.
Projects may include pilot or feasibility studies, development of research methodologies, assay development, or creation of human cell or animal models, provided they focus on the eligible proteins. The R03 mechanism supports discrete, well-defined projects that can be completed within one year and require limited funding.
