Initiative: Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network: Clinical Trial Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for large-scale, multisite clinical trials testing pain management interventions. Eligible applicants typically include research institutions, academic medical centers, and other research entities with capacity to conduct multi-site clinical trials. The grant focuses on testing interventions that reduce opioid use, improve function, and reduce pain across acute to chronic pain conditions. Geographic scope is national; applications from eligible institutions anywhere in the U.S. may apply.
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Key dates
- Aug 28, 2025 Applications open
- Jan 5, 2026 Application deadline
- Aug 31, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2026 Project start
Program description
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), with the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for the conduct of large-scale, multisite clinical trials (CTs) that will inform clinicians about the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions or management strategies that reduce opioid use, improve functional outcomes and reduce pain across the continuum of acute to chronic pain associated with many types of diseases, conditions, or pain presenting as a disease itself. This NOFO will be a continuation of the HEAL Initiative Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network (ERN). The goal of this NOFO will be to expand the suite of evidence-based effective therapeutics to alleviate pain for multiple pain conditions to benefit patients and their families. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the UG3/UH3 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of performing effectiveness trials for pain management interventions are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in testing existing pharmaceutical, repurposed therapeutics and/or existing devices will be encouraged, and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) application form
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Biographical Sketches of key personnel
- NIH Biosketches for senior/key personnel
- Letters of Support from collaborating institutions
- Preliminary Data section
Program contact
- 👤 Yolanda F. Vallejo, PhD
- 📞 301-451-1751
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.853 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$56,144,651
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$40,959,789
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$35,655,349
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$35,655,116
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$35,335,145
-
$34,183,297
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$32,294,153
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$32,234,840
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$31,739,294
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$27,282,286
Top States by Funding
- MA 5 awards $123.9M
- OH 4 awards $112.5M
- CA 4 awards $101.3M
- FL 3 awards $100.3M
- MI 3 awards $85.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.853). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,362,835,459 | |
| 2025 | $2,345,500,401 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Research institutions and academic centers with experience conducting large-scale, multisite clinical trials. Your institution must have capacity for multi-site coordination and patient enrollment.
What types of pain conditions are eligible?
Trials testing interventions for acute to chronic pain associated with multiple disease conditions. The focus is on reducing opioid use and improving functional outcomes.
Is there a letter of intent required?
The notice provided does not specify LOI requirements. Check the full NOFO when published for application procedures.
What makes applications competitive?
Strong preliminary data, experienced research teams, feasible multi-site networks, and focus on opioid-sparing pain management strategies are typically competitive.
When should I apply?
The deadline is January 5, 2026. This is a planning notice; the full NOFO will provide specific application dates and procedures.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Begin building collaborative relationships now with other institutions to strengthen your multi-site network before the full NOFO publishes.
- Focus your proposal on reducing opioid use while maintaining or improving pain control and functional outcomes.
- Ensure your team has experience with large clinical trials and multi-site coordination and management.
- Consider combining pharmaceutical, device, or repurposed therapeutic testing approaches to stand out.
- Prepare strong preliminary data demonstrating feasibility and researcher expertise in pain management research.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating the complexity of multi-site coordination and patient recruitment for large clinical trials. Lacking sufficient preliminary data or prior experience conducting clinical trials. Proposing pain interventions without a clear focus on reducing opioid use or demonstrating functional improvement.
Similar grants
- CLOSED Limited Competition: HEAL Initiative Resource Centers for the Pain Management Effectiveness Network (ERN) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed) — National Institutes of Health
- CLOSED HEAL NOFO for the HEAL INTERACT Data Center — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN HEAL Initiative: Translating Addiction Epidemiology, Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Research into Practice (R61/R33 – Clinical Trial Optional) — National Institutes of Health
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