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HEAL Initiative: Pain Research Enhancement Program (PREP) (R15 Clinical Trial Optional)

US · MD · Bethesda National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant open #RFA-AT-25-003
Response due Nov 23, 2026 · 00:00 UTC

Summary

The NIH HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative is soliciting research grant applications under the Pain Research Enhancement Program (PREP) using the R15 mechanism, which supports research at educational institutions that have not been major recipients of NIH funding. The program aims to enhance pain research capacity and stimulate research in the area of pain, consistent with the HEAL Initiative's broader goals of addressing the opioid crisis. Clinical trials are optional under this funding opportunity announcement (FOA RFA-AT-25-003).

What they want

Applicants must propose pain research projects aligned with the NIH HEAL Initiative's objectives. The R15 grant mechanism is used, which is specifically designed for academic institutions that are not major NIH grantees. Clinical trials are permitted but optional. Research must focus on pain management and/or related mechanisms relevant to reducing opioid dependency and advancing non-addictive pain treatment strategies.
Technical requirements
  • Must use the R15 (Academic Research Enhancement Award) grant mechanism
  • Clinical trials are optional but permitted under this FOA
  • Research must align with NIH HEAL Initiative pain research priorities
  • Applicant institution must qualify as a non-major NIH grantee to be eligible for R15 mechanism

How they evaluate

Submission: Grants.gov federal grants portal (electronic submission)

Risks & flags

  • R15 mechanism targets institutions that have NOT been major NIH funding recipients — this inherently restricts eligible applicants to a defined subset of research institutions, which may disadvantage well-established research universities.

Market context

inferred from NAICS
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
NAICS 541711
US market size
$2.0T
Typical award
$25K – $50M
Typical buyers
All federal civilianDoDStates
Commonly required
8(a)WOSBSDVOSBPE/PMP

Sector-level estimate — full code lookup not yet in catalog.

HEAL Initiative: Pain Research Enhancement…
Due Nov 23
Onboard ↗