Grants / Department of Health and Human Services / National Institutes of Health

A Holistic Approach to Study Non-Addictive Natural Products for Pain Management

Forecast Expected deadline May 25, 2027 Opportunity PAR-28-009

• Award ceilingnot stated
• Award floornot stated
• Expected awardsnot stated
• Total fundingnot stated
• Cost sharingNot required
• Funding typeGrant

Key dates

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Who can apply

This opportunity is open to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses.

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• For profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses
• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

More grants for nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses, businesses.

Is this a realistic fit?

• No cost sharing or match is required.

What the grant funds

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support collaborative interdisciplinary research that advances foundational understanding of non-addictive natural products for chronic pain management through a holistic, system-oriented approach. This initiative aligns with the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative by promoting safe, non-addictive, and prevention-oriented strategies for pain relief. Chronic pain affects tens of millions of adults in the United States, contributing to disability, diminished quality of life, and significant healthcare costs. Despite widespread public use of natural products, such as botanicals, dietary supplements, and other naturally derived compounds for pain relief, scientific evidence has not kept pace with demand. Existing research often focuses on single molecular targets or isolated pathways, which fail to capture the complex, multisystem actions of these products. The scope of natural products under this NOFO includes those commonly used by the public as well as those with emerging usage or therapeutic potential. Research is expected to take a holistic approach that examines how these products influence pain through coordinated biological pathways across the multiple organ systems, such as digestive, immune, vascular, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, metabolic/adipose tissues, and nervous system. Studies should also explore dose optimization based on the principle of hormesis, where low doses may elicit beneficial or adaptive effects while higher doses could be ineffective or harmful. In addition, investigators are encouraged to identify optimal intervention timing that aligns with the dynamic phases of pain and inflammation, thereby maximizing therapeutic outcomes and supporting physiological recovery. This program emphasizes rigorous mechanistic studies that generate foundational insights to inform future translational research and guide the development of safe, evidence-based, non-addictive strategies for pain management.

Category: Health.

How to apply

1. Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
2. Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
3. Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.

Questions go to Division of Extramural Research (DER) Program Officer, NCCIHDERFunding@nih.gov, Please contact via e-mail..

Open the official notice