HEAL Initiative: Studies to Enable Analgesic Discovery

HEAL Initiative: Studies to Enable Analgesic Discovery

Early-stage translational research to enable discovery of novel, non-opioid, non-addictive pain therapeutics. Supports assay development/validation, screening to find initial hits, in vitro characterization, and limited preliminary in vivo PK/PD/efficacy to prepare projects for later-stage programs.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Organizations: higher education, nonprofits, for-profits (incl. small businesses), local/state/tribal/federal entities; foreign organizations are not eligible; foreign components of U.S. organizations are allowed.

  • PD/PI must have an eRA Commons ID.

  • Multiple applications allowed if scientifically distinct.

  • Clinical trials are not allowed.

Funding Details:

  • Mechanism: R61/R33 phased award.

  • Budget: up to USD 350,000 in direct costs per year.

Deadline:

  • Letter of intent: 30 days before due date.

  • Application due (5:00 PM local time): September 17, 2025; January 16, 2026; May 15, 2026; September 17, 2026; January 15, 2027.

Where to Go for Further Information: