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

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity RFA-NS-27-007

Who can apply

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Public and State institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Public housing authorities
• Native American tribal organizations (other)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3), other than higher education
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3)
• Private institutions of higher education
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses
• Others

Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International CollaborationsNon-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.

About this opportunity

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support the preclinical optimization and development of safe, effective, and non-addictive small molecule and biologic therapeutics for the treatment of pain. The goal of the program is to accelerate the advancement of promising early-stage therapeutic candidates and facilitate their readiness for Phase II clinical trials. Applicants must have a promising small molecule or biologic lead candidate for optimization, a strong biological rationale for the proposed approach, and established assays to guide the optimization process. The scope of the program includes lead optimization, early-stage development activities, IND-enabling studies, development of pharmacodynamic and/or target engagement biomarkers, preparation and submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, and Phase I clinical testing. This is a milestone-driven, phased cooperative agreement program that involves active participation by NIH program staff in project planning and ongoing monitoring of research progress.

Portfolio context — this listing covers more than this opportunity

This opportunity is funded under Assistance Listing 93.213 (“Research and Training in Complementary and Integrative Health”), a broad federal program that made about 86 new awards per year over the last five fiscal years (median award $719k). Those figures describe that whole portfolio — not this specific solicitation, so we don't show them as if they were this opportunity's track record.

Applicant counts per solicitation are not published by any federal agency — no one can honestly sell you that number. NIH publishes success rates by institute and activity code — source.

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