Funded Projects

Explore our currently funded projects. You may search with all three fields, then focus your results by applying any of the dropdown filters. After customizing your search, you may download results and even save your specific search for later.

Project # Project Title Research Focus Area Research Program Administering IC Institution(s) Investigator(s) Location(s) Year Awarded Sort ascending
1RM1NS128956-01A1
Mechanisms of Action of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Translating Discoveries into Effective Devices to Treat Pain NINDS STANFORD UNIVERSITY HAH, JENNIFER (contact); BISWAL, SANDIP; CHADWICK, ANDREA LYNN Stanford, CA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Interdisciplinary Team Science to Uncover the Mechanisms of Pain Relief by Medical Devices (RM1 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-23-003
Summary:

Technology approaches that deliver electrical current through the skin near a damaged or injured peripheral nerve are used to treat chronic neuropathic pain that does not respond to other treatments. This project will optimize this nerve stimulation approach while also determining how the stimulation works to reduce pain in the body. The research will also look for patient characteristics that predict response by conducting a clinical trial comparing combined peripheral nerve stimulation and conventional medical treatment to medication alone.

1R01DA059401-01
Preventing School Exclusion and Opioid Misuse: Effectiveness of the Inclusive Skill-Building Learning Approach (ISLA) New Strategies to Prevent and Treat Opioid Addiction Preventing Opioid Use Disorder NIDA UNIVERSITY OF OREGON NESE, RHONDA Eugene, OR 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Preventing Opioid Misuse and Co-Occurring Conditions by Intervening on Social Determinants (R01 - Clinical Trials Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-051
Summary:

Non-punishment, support-based preventive interventions in schools are needed to reduce misuse of opioids and other substances among youth. This project will test an intervention to improve school climate by introducing a learning approach that encourages behavior that is supportive and respectful in middle schools. ISLA reduces the use of exclusionary and discipline practices, such as suspensions and expulsions, that can be racially discriminating. The research aims to improve inclusive teaching practices, student engagement, student-teacher relationships, and school climate, while reducing student misuse of opioids and other substances.

1R61DA059887-01
Testing an Occupational Stress Intervention for Harm Reduction Workers in Substance Misuse Settings Translation of Research to Practice for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction Optimizing the Quality, Reach, and Impact of Addiction Services NIDA UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN CREECH, SUZANNAH K Austin, TX 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Translating Research to Practice to End the Overdose Crisis (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-053
Summary:

People who work in harm reduction settings aiming to keep people with substance use disorders safe from overdose and other negative health outcomes are exposed to high rates of lifetime and occupational stress and trauma. Their work conditions can have adverse effects on patient care and also on their own well-being, such as unmet mental health needs, burnout, and relapse. This project will adapt the Stress First Aid intervention for harm reduction workers. The research will test the impact of this intervention on social support, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, use of mental health care, engagement, and turnover. The long-term goal of this work is to implement a sustainable and effective national occupational stress intervention for harm reduction workers to strengthen their important role in helping individuals get treatment and avoid overdose.

1U19NS135528-01
The Penn Human Precision Pain Center (HPPC): Discovery and Functional Evaluation of Human Primary Somatosensory Neuron Types at Normal and Chronic Pain Conditions Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain NINDS UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA LUO, WENQIN (contact); LI, MINGYAO; OLAUSSON, HÅKAN; WU, HAO Philadelphia, PA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Discovery and Functional Evaluation of Human Pain-associated Genes & Cells (U19 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-22-018
Summary:

Migraine is one of the most common primary headache disorders and affects one in four U.S. households; however, there are few effective treatments. Migraine is a complex neurological disorder mediated in part by alterations in the way the brain processes sensations like touch and pain (somatosensation) in the head. These sensations are transmitted by the trigeminal nerve and a cell cluster called the trigeminal ganglion. To better understand the function of the human trigeminal system and its role in migraine, this project will conduct multiple types of molecular analyses of human trigeminal ganglia from people with and without migraine. The project will also perform sensory evaluations and measure the signals sent from the trigeminal ganglion to the brain in individuals with and without migraine.

1UG3NS134781-01
A novel glycan-based selectin and complement inhibitor for at-home disease-modifying rescue of pain crisis in sickle cell disease Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Development and Optimization of Non-Addictive Therapies to Treat Pain NINDS IHP THERAPEUTICS, INC. PADERI, JOHN San Carlos, CA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Non-addictive Analgesic Therapeutics Development [Small Molecules and Biologics] to Treat Pain (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-21-010
4R33DA057683-02
Leveraging regulatory flexibility for methadone take-home dosing to improve retention in treatment for opioid use disorder: A stepped-wedge randomized trial to facilitate clinic level changes Cross-Cutting Research Translating Data 2 Action to Prevent Overdose NIDA NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE NEIGHBORS, CHARLES J (contact); BAO, YUHUA; RAMSEY, KELLY S New York, NY 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: HEAL Data2Action Innovation Projects (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-22-051
1DP2HD112176-01
Identifying Plasma Proteomic Profiles of Chronic Pain Development in Endometriosis From Adolescence to Adulthood Cross-Cutting Research Training the Next Generation of Researchers in HEAL NICHD BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL SASAMOTO, NAOKO Boston, MA 2023
NOFO Title: Emergency Awards: HEAL Initiative- New Innovator Award (DP2 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-TR-22-013
Summary:

Endometriosis is a gynecologic disorder characterized by severe pelvic pain, affecting 10% of reproductive aged women and adolescents worldwide. These individuals are at an increased risk for chronic opioid use, dependence, and overdose. Adolescents and young adults in particular are understudied in endometriosis research. This project will conduct a longitudinal study of adolescent endometriosis. The research will identify novel biomarkers and biological pathways involved in the transition of acute to chronic pain. The research aims to improve non-surgical endometriosis diagnosis, risk, and treatment. 

1R43HL167661-01A1
Improving Analgesic Effectiveness and Safety with Proactive Precision Pain Management in Thoracic Surgical Patients with Lung Lesions Cross-Cutting Research Small Business Programs NHLBI OPALGENIX, INC. PLUMP, STEVEN R (contact); SADHASIVAM, SENTHILKUMAR Carmel, IN 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Development of Therapies and Technologies Directed at Enhanced Pain Management (R43/R44 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-20-011
Summary:

Thoracic (chest) surgeries often cause both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) pain and long-term opioid use. Unique genetic and clinical risk factors affect individual responses to surgical pain and pain medications. Current trial-and-error approaches to managing post-surgical pain and opioid prescribing are not ideal. This project will develop predictive software within a medical device that takes into account an individual’s genetic and clinical information to predict the likelihood of chronic pain following thoracic surgery. 

1R01HD113188-01
Impact of Maternal Substance Use on Offspring Neurobehavioral Development Enhanced Outcomes for Infants and Children Exposed to Opioids The Biology of Opioid Exposure During Pregnancy and Effects on Early Neuro-Behavioral Development NICHD MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL EDLOW, ANDREA GOLDBERG (contact); BOGDAN, RYAN H; LO, JAMIE ; SULLIVAN, ELINOR L Boston, MA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Opioid Exposure and Effects on Placenta Function, Brain Development, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-HD-23-031
Summary:

Opioid use disorder with simultaneous misuse of cannabis and alcohol during pregnancy is associated with increased risk for several infant neurodevelopmental problems. This project will evaluate the effects of opioids and other substances of misuse on the mother’s immune system by studying maternal immune cells and measuring molecules in her blood. The research will also study the role of the nerve communication molecule serotonin produced by the placenta. This research will take advantage of data from the HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study that is focused on child development measures. Together, these studies will provide important new insights into the ways misused substances affect infant brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

3UH3DA047714-04S1
Feasibility of Deep Brain Stimulation as a Novel Treatment for Refractory Opioid Use Disorder Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY REZAI, ALI R Morgantown, WV 2023
NOFO Title: Feasibility of Deep Brain Stimulation as a Novel Treatment for Refractory Opioid Use Disorder
NOFO Number: PA-20-272
Summary:

Novel treatments for opioid use disorder are critically needed as the addiction and overdose crises continue. Neuromodulation is a promising supplemental treatment to standard care. The overarching project seeks to evaluate low-intensity focused ultrasound that targets the nucleus accumbens, a primary component of the brain’s reward neurocircuitry. This supplement will expand the number of participants in part of the study and will increase the project’s overall impact consistent with the original objectives and aims of the parent grant.

1R61DA059027-01
A Multi-Team System Implementation Strategy to Improve Buprenorphine Adherence for Patients who Initiate Treatment in the Emergency Department Translation of Research to Practice for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction Optimizing the Quality, Reach, and Impact of Addiction Services NIDA UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS HENRY, STEPHEN G (contact); MOULIN, AIMEE; TU, SHIN-PING Davis, CA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Translating Research to Practice to End the Overdose Crisis (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-053
Summary:

There is an urgent need to identify and rapidly apply strategies to expand treatment for opioid use disorder, particularly among low-income patients. This project will develop and test a novel implementation strategy that uses ongoing community partnerships designed to improve care coordination for patients who start buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder in the emergency department and are then referred to primary care for ongoing treatment.

1R01DA059411-01
Building Social and Structural Connections for the Prevention of OUD Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: An RCT Examining Biopsychosocial Mechanisms New Strategies to Prevent and Treat Opioid Addiction Preventing Opioid Use Disorder NIDA OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FORD, JODI (contact); SLESNICK, NATASHA Columbus, OH 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Preventing Opioid Misuse and Co-Occurring Conditions by Intervening on Social Determinants (R01 - Clinical Trials Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-051
Summary:

Multiple social determinants affect the health of youth experiencing homelessness. These include a lack of stable safe housing, income, education, food security, restricted access to services, as well as discrimination, victimization, and social isolation. This project will test the use of prevention efforts to address the factors that may be embedded within systems that serve this population, such as drop-in centers. The research will gather generalizable information about helping these youth along with cost estimates to inform future implementation efforts.

1R61DA059032-01A1
Onsite PTSD Treatment to Improve MOUD Outcomes (OPTIMO): A Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of Harm Reduction PTSD Care at Syringe Service Programs Translation of Research to Practice for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction Optimizing the Quality, Reach, and Impact of Addiction Services NIDA CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK LOPEZ-CASTRO, TERESA (contact); FOX, AARON D New York, NY 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Translating Research to Practice to End the Overdose Crisis (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-053
Summary:

People who inject drugs often have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Co-occurring PTSD puts these individuals at increased risk of illicit opioid use, opioid use disorder, overdose, HIV, and hepatitis C virus infection. This project will adapt, with input from the community, an evidence-based PTSD treatment program for people with both opioid use disorder and PTSD who are participating in a syringe service program. The treatment will then be tested in multiple syringe service programs to determine its potential for improving outcomes for these individuals who are often marginalized in traditional care.

1U24NS135547-01
Meaningful Data Integration, Visualization and Distribution for Human Pain Associated Genes & Cells Datasets Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain NINDS UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA WAGENAAR, JOOST B (contact); HUNTER, PETER JOHN; MARTONE, MARYANN E Philadelphia, PA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Human Pain-associated Genes & Cells Data Coordination and Integration Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-22-021
Summary:

The primary goal of the PRECISION Human Pain network and its participating centers is to generate comprehensive datasets of molecular signatures and cellular function phenotypes or signatures of various cell types that underlie transmission and processing of pain signals in humans. To maximize the impact of the data generated through this effort, it is vital to standardize and integrate all data generated by the various centers and make these data available in a meaningful way to the larger scientific community. As the Data Coordination and Integration Center, this project will support the network to curate, harmonize, and effectively integrate center-generated datasets as well as provide operational support for the network and conduct educational and outreach efforts.

1UG3NS135551-01
Translating an MR-guided focused ultrasound system for first-in-human precision neuromodulation of pain circuits Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Translating Discoveries into Effective Devices to Treat Pain NINDS VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER CASKEY, CHARLES F (contact); CHEN, LI MIN Nashville, TN 2023
NOFO Title: Blueprint MedTech Translator (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: PAR-21-315
5UH3AT010739-04
Pragmatic Trial of Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults Clinical Research in Pain Management Pragmatic and Implementation Studies for the Management of Pain to Reduce Opioid Prescribing (PRISM) NCCIH KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE DEBAR, LYNN L (contact); COOK, ANDREA J Oakland, CA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for Management of Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required)
NOFO Number: RFA-AT-19-005
1R21NS132590-01
Structure-Function and Signaling of Glutamate Delta 1 in Pain Mechanism Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain NINDS CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY DRAVID, SHASHANK MANOHAR Omaha, NE 2023
NOFO Title: Emergency Awards: HEAL Initiative-Early-Stage Discovery of New Pain and Opioid Use Disorder Targets Within the Understudied Druggable Proteome (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-TR-22-011
Summary:

There is an urgent need to find new ways to treat chronic pain through better targeting of underlying biological processes. Research shows that flexible synapses within the amygdala brain region play a role in the progression of pain from acute to chronic, but the details are not fully understood. The receptor glutamate delta 1 helps to form and maintain synapses in the amygdala in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This project will study how the shape and characteristics of glutamate delta 1 affect pain conditions that involve the amygdala, toward informing future development of pain medications. 

3R01DA057630-01S1
Predicting Fatal and Non-Fatal Overdose in Los Angeles County with Rapid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard to Target Street-Based Addiction Treatment and Harm Reduction Services Cross-Cutting Research Increasing Participant Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement in HEAL Research NIDA UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES SHOVER, CHELSEA LEIGH (contact); GOODMAN, DAVID Los Angeles, CA 2023
NOFO Title: Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: PA-21-071
Summary:

The International Classification of Diseases 10th revision codes are insufficient to accurately identify individuals who use opioids and stimulants together. This project will search already collected electronic health record data using a computer program to identify people with polysubstance use and determine what health care they receive. The research will improve understanding of polysubstance use in a region of Los Angeles, California, with very high rates of overdoses involving fentanyl and stimulants. 

1R01HD113143-01
Association of Maternal, Fetal, and Placental Biomarkers with Neonatal Neuroimaging and Development Following In-Utero Opioid Exposure Enhanced Outcomes for Infants and Children Exposed to Opioids The Biology of Opioid Exposure During Pregnancy and Effects on Early Neuro-Behavioral Development NICHD BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER WACHMAN, ELISHA Boston, MA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Opioid Exposure and Effects on Placenta Function, Brain Development, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-HD-23-032
Summary:

Exposure of the developing fetus to opioids during pregnancy in women with opioid use disorder can lead to inefficient placenta function and impaired fetal brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes. This project will measure molecules that circulate within maternal blood to identify specific indicators (biomarkers) of maternal health such as inflammation and changes in placental gene activity. The research will include a focus on specialized molecules released from the placenta called exosomes that carry information about the health of the placenta. These data will be combined with neurodevelopmental measures of infants at 1 year of age. Together, these studies will provide new molecular predictors (biomarkers) of placenta and fetal health.

3UH3DA047700-05S2  
Biased Mu-Opioid Receptor Analgesics to Prevent Overdose and Opioid Use Disorders Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Focusing Medication Development to Prevent and Treat Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose NIDA MEBIAS DISCOVERY, INC KUO, LAWRENCE C (contact); BARRETT, JAMES E Philadelphia, PA 2023
NOFO Title: Biased Mu-Opioid Receptor Analgesics to Prevent Overdose and Opioid Use Disorders
NOFO Number: PA-20-272
Summary:

There is an urgent need for a new generation of non-addictive, pain-relieving medications that do not cause problematic side effects like breathing problems or constipation. The overarching project is testing a new potential medication that interacts in a new way with the opioid system in human research participants. This supplement will help cover costs associated with the Safety Review Committee meeting required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

1UG3NR020930-01  
Adapting and Implementing a Nurse Care Management Model to Care for Rural Patients with Chronic Pain Clinical Research in Pain Management Prevention and Management of Chronic Pain in Rural Populations NINR UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON TONG, SEBASTIAN (contact); PATEL, KUSHANG Seattle, WA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Prevention and Management of Chronic Pain in Rural Populations (UG3/UH3, Clinical Trials Required)
NOFO Number: RFA-NR-23-001
Summary:

People who live in rural areas have high rates of chronic pain and poor health outcomes and are less likely to receive evidence-based complementary and integrative treatments for chronic pain. This project will adapt a nurse care management model for use in health systems serving rural patients with chronic pain. The research aims to coordinate care, provide cognitive behavioral therapy, and refer patients to a remotely delivered exercise program.

1R01DA059469-01
Investigating Mechanisms Underpinning Outcomes in People on Opioid Agonist Treatment for OUD: Disentangling Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Influences on Craving and Emotion Regulation New Strategies to Prevent and Treat Opioid Addiction Sleep Dysfunction as a Core Feature of Opioid Use Disorder and Recovery NIDA EMMA PENDLETON BRADLEY HOSPITAL CARSKADON, MARY A (contact); MCGEARY, JOHN E; RICH, JOSIAH D Providence, RI 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Sleep Predictors of Opioid-Use Disorder Treatment Outcomes Program (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-059
Summary:

Sleep and circadian rhythms are understudied risk factors for opioid use disorder (OUD) and its treatment. Opioids affect sleep quality in a way that can inhibit recovery. The two most effective medications for OUD also cause sleep problems. This project will increase understanding about underlying circadian and behavioral mechanisms, such as changes in craving and/or the ability to regulate emotions, that link poor sleep with suboptimal opioid treatment response outcomes.

1R61DA059947-01
Developing and Testing Innovative Care Pathways for Screening and Treatment of OUD/PTSD in Jails Translation of Research to Practice for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction Optimizing the Quality, Reach, and Impact of Addiction Services NIDA UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES ZIELINSKI, MELISSA JEAN (contact); ZALLER, NICKOLAS D Little Rock, AR 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Translating Research to Practice to End the Overdose Crisis (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-053
Summary:

Many people in jail have both opioid use disorder (OUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among people with OUD released from jail, only few engage in treatment and medication therapy once they are back in the community, and opioid overdose is a leading cause of death in this population. This project will test whether identifying and initiating treatment of PTSD in people receiving OUD treatment in jail can increase these individuals’ likelihood of starting and staying in medication treatment after release and thus reduce overdose risk.

1RM1DE033491-01
Endosomal Mechanisms Signaling Oral Cancer Pain Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Integrated Basic and Clinical Team-Based Research in Pain NIDCR NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHMIDT, BRIAN L (contact); BUNNETT, NIGEL W; KHANNA, RAJESH; LEONG, KAM W; YE, YI New York, NY 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative Integrated Basic and Clinical Team-based Research in Pain (RM1 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-22-069
Summary:

Human oral cancer is associated with significant chronic pain, and a comprehensive understanding of the biology and mechanisms underlying this chronic pain is critical for developing better pain management strategies. This project will determine molecular characteristics, including a specific signaling system (endosomal GPCR kinase), associated with chronic oral cancer pain, using tissue samples obtained from patients with this condition. The findings will then be used to inform studies in animal models of human oral cancer pain to enhance understanding how endosomal GPCR kinase contributes to human oral cancer pain.

1UG3NS131785-01A1
Identifying multimodal biomarkers for autologous serum tears in the treatment of chronic postoperative ocular pain Clinical Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Biomarkers, Endpoints, and Signatures for Pain Conditions NINDS CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COLLEGE OF MEDICINE - CWRU SAYEGH, RONY ROGER (contact); ROTROFF, DANIEL Cleveland, OH 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Discovery of Biomarkers and Biomarker Signatures to Facilitate Clinical Trials for Pain Therapeutics (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-22-050
Summary:

Cataract surgery is commonly performed in older adults; however, some patients subsequently experience chronic eye pain that is difficult to treat. One promising approach that is effective in some, but not all, patients uses the patient's own serum (a component of blood) as eye drops. This project seeks to identify markers that can help predict which patients will respond to serum treatment and monitor their progress. Using advanced technology and data analysis to evaluate patient histories, questionnaires, and different genetic and other molecular characteristics in the eyes and serum it aims to identify potential markers that can then be tested in a clinical study.