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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R61)

HEAL Initiative: Studies to Enable Analgesic Discovery

Funds the assays, screening and first characterisation that a pain drug discovery programme needs before it can start properly.

OpenNational Institutes of HealthUnited States

A drug discovery programme cannot begin until somebody has built the way of testing things. This notice funds that groundwork for pain.

It belongs to the government's pain and opioid initiative, and the goal behind the whole suite is safe, effective, non-addictive therapeutics to treat pain.

Three activities are in scope and they run in order. Developing assays to support a distinct testing funn…

Initial translational work supporting a pain drug discovery programme: development of assays to support a distinct testing funnel, screening efforts to identify hits, and initial characterisation of hits and potential therapeutic agents including small molecules, biologics and natural products, aimed at meeting the entry criteria of the Pain Therapeutics Development Program. Clinical trials are not allowed.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.15 Jan 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: RFA-NS-25-023Source: www.grants.gov