This funding supports the development of safe, effective, non-addictive small molecule and biologic therapeutics for pain treatment. Activities include lead optimization, IND-enabling studies, biomarker development, IND application preparation, and Phase I clinical testing. The program uses milestone-driven phased cooperative agreements with active NIH participation to accelerate early-stage candidates toward Phase II clinical trials.
Eligible applicants include public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, various government entities, small businesses, and tribal organizations. Foreign organizations and non-domestic components are not eligible.
