OpenFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesRFA-NS-27-007

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

National Institutes of HealthCloses Feb 20, 2029(861 days left)

Does this fit your business?

This is an NIH program for organizations that already have a small molecule or biologic drug candidate for pain treatment and need funding to move it through preclinical development toward Phase II trials. If you are not a drug developer with an existing lead candidate, established assays, and a biological rationale, do not apply. Retail, software, finance, and similar businesses have no place in this program.

Best for
Small businesses and for-profits with a pain-treatment drug candidate ready for preclinical optimization, Nonprofits and universities with drug development programs, Research teams preparing IND applications or Phase I trials
Not for
Companies without an existing drug candidate or pain-focused pipeline, Retail, software, finance, or other businesses outside biotech, Foreign organizations or U.S. organizations with foreign components
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Healthcare & BiotechMatches your industry (clinical)
87
Strong Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to agriculture & farming
54
Possible Match
Arts & CultureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to arts & culture
54
Possible Match
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Education & TrainingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to education & training
54
Possible Match
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Nothing in this notice points to energy & clean tech
54
Possible Match
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation
54
Possible Match
Finance & BankingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to finance & banking
54
Possible Match
Food & BeverageLimit: Nothing in this notice points to food & beverage
54
Possible Match
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Nothing in this notice points to housing & real estate
54
Possible Match
ManufacturingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to manufacturing
54
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Nothing in this notice points to retail & e-commerce
54
Possible Match
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: Nothing in this notice points to social services & nonprofit
54
Possible Match
Technology & SoftwareLimit: Nothing in this notice points to technology & software
54
Possible Match
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Nothing in this notice points to transportation & logistics
54
Possible Match

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
R&D, Research, Clinical trials, Drug development, Biomarker development, Regulatory submission
Who can apply
Small businesses, For-profit companies, Nonprofits, State and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations, Colleges and universities, Other applicants (see eligibility)

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
February 20, 2029.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
The notice lists total program funding of $11,000,000 with about 3 awards expected, but it does not state a per-award ceiling. Check the NOFO for award amount details.
Who can apply for this grant?
Small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations, public housing authorities, independent school districts, and institutions of higher education. Foreign entities and foreign components of U.S. organizations are not eligible.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
The notice does not specifically address sole proprietors or single-member LLCs. Small businesses and for-profit organizations generally are eligible, but you should confirm your business structure qualifies under Section III of the NOFO.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are both listed as eligible.

Summary

NIH HEAL initiative funding to support preclinical optimization and development of non-addictive small molecule and biologic therapeutics for pain treatment, advancing candidates toward Phase II trials. Open to small businesses, for-profit organizations, nonprofits, governments, tribes, and higher education institutions. Foreign entities not eligible.

About this grant

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.

Who can apply

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.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Health
  • Science
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Pain management
  • Drug development

Program contact

National Institutes of HealthPTDP@ninds.nih.gov301-402-2541

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