HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
Open
National Institutes of Health is offering grants to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. It expects to make about 3 awards worth $11.0 million in total. Applications close on February 20, 2029.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed June 16, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceilingnot stated
- Award floornot stated
- Expected awards3
- Total funding$11.0 million
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeCooperative Agreement
Key dates
| Posted | June 16, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | February 20, 2029 |
| Archived by Grants.gov | April 21, 2029 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
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)
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.
Is this a realistic fit?
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
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.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- 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 National Institutes of Health, PTDP@ninds.nih.gov, 301-402-2541.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)?
National Institutes of Health accepts applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Closes February 20, 2029 (843 days left). Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
About $11.0 million in total across about 3 awards.
Similar open grants
- Continuation of the Collaborative Islet Transplantation Registry (U01 Clinical Trial Not allowed)
- BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN): Coordinating Unit for Biostatistics, Informatics, and Engagement (CUBIE)
- Centers without Walls for mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD)
- Expanding the Therapeutic Pipeline for Treating and Preventing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Preclinical Validation and Drug Discovery for Novel Candidate Targets (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- Systematic Testing of Radionuclides in Preclinical Experiments (STRIPE, RP1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- Exposomic Contributions to ADRD Pathology and Resilience