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
1K23DA058785-01
Addressing the Readiness Gap: An eHealth Intervention to Increase Patient Motivation for Evidence-Based Chronic Pain Interventions and Reduced Opioid Reliance Cross-Cutting Research Training the Next Generation of Researchers in HEAL NIDA VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY CROUCH, TAYLOR BERENS Richmond, VA 2023
NOFO Title: Career Development Awards in Implementation Science for Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (K23 - Clinical Trial Required)
NOFO Number: PAS-22-207
Summary:

Evidence-based behavioral treatments for pain are among the most effective and safe approaches, but they are underused, especially among patients taking opioids long-term. Despite known risks to long-term opioid therapy (including opioid use disorder and overdoses), patients may be reluctant to try something different to manage their pain. This project brings together two evidence-based behavior change interventions—motivational interviewing and contingency management—into an online format. The research will test whether web-based tools or mobile apps influence a patient’s willingness to consider using non-medication treatments for pain. The research will assess feasibility, acceptability to patients and providers, and broad-scale implementation.

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.

1R01DA059415-01
Integrating Eye-Tracking and ECG Methodologies for Remote Infant Neurocognitive Assessments in the Home Enhanced Outcomes for Infants and Children Exposed to Opioids Virtual Assessments to Understand Developmental Trajectories of Substance Use Exposure NIDA NEW YORK UNIVERSITY BRITO, NATALIE HIROMI New York, NY 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Development and validation of virtual assessments to study children and caregivers in their natural environment (R01- Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-050
Summary:

Use of remote data collection in developmental research can make it easier for families to participate in such research and increase sociodemographic diversity of participants. The goal of this project is to validate remote methods for testing early cognitive development, particularly attention and memory skills, in 4-, 8-, and 12-month-old infants from traditionally underrepresented populations in neuroscience research. The project will integrate multiple types of data to improve remote measurement of infant cognition within the home and will help expand understanding of developmental trajectories and mechanisms across diverse environments and contexts.

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.

1K99AR083486-01
Novel Models to Study Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons in Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Cross-Cutting Research Training the Next Generation of Researchers in HEAL NIAMS STANFORD UNIVERSITY BREWER, CHELSIE L Stanford, CA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral-to-Independent Career Transition Award in PAIN and SUD Research (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-22-022
Summary:

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequent cause of disability and chronic pain. Treatment often relies on analgesics like opioids to manage OA pain, with all the associated risks; other approaches to treat OA are often invasive and inaccessible to patients. Therefore, novel analgesic strategies are needed to reduce the high burden of knee OA-induced pain. This project aims to study in detail and target the sensory neurons that drive OA pain to assist in the development of more effective pain therapeutics.

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
9SB1NS137964-04
Advancing precision pain medicines to the clinic Cross-Cutting Research Small Business Programs NINDS NAVEGA THERAPEUTICS, INC. MORENO, ANA MARIA (contact); ALEMAN GUILLEN, FERNANDO San Diego, CA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) Program: Embedded Entrepreneurs for Small Businesses in Pain Management (SB1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: PAR-23-069
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
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.

1RM1DA059375-01
HEAL Initiative: Research to Foster an Opioid Use Disorder Treatment System Patients Can Count On Translation of Research to Practice for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction Optimizing the Quality, Reach, and Impact of Addiction Services NIDA RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE MARK, TAMI L Research Triangle Park, NC 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Research to Foster an Opioid Use Disorder Treatment System Patients Can Count On (RM1 - Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-046
Summary:

Although medication-based treatment for opioid use disorder can effectively reduce overdose risk and improve health outcomes, most people discontinue treatment too soon. Quality measures that inform opioid treatment programs about how many patients remain in treatment relative to peer programs could motivate those programs to pursue quality improvement activities, such as helping patients navigate logistical barriers to receiving treatment. This project will test approaches to developing and disseminating retention and outcome measures for opioid treatment programs.

1R61DA059880-01
Evaluation of a Peer Recovery Support Program Adapted to Target Retention in Clinic-Based Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Translation of Research to Practice for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction Optimizing the Quality, Reach, and Impact of Addiction Services NIDA GEISINGER CLINIC POULSEN, MELISSA (contact); ZAJAC, KRISTYN Danville, PA 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:

Medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) are safe and effective. However, many people do not take them long enough to achieve sustained recovery, putting them at risk of overdose. Peer recovery support services—which are delivered by trained individuals with lived experience of addiction and recovery—may help people with OUD initiate and stay in medication treatment. This project will adapt peer recovery support services for use in outpatient substance use treatment settings and test their implementation and effectiveness in helping people with OUD achieve long-term recovery. If successful, the program could be implemented in a variety of outpatient treatment programs, including in underserved rural areas.

1UG3DA059407-01
Towards Treatment for the Complex Patient: Investigations of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound New Strategies to Prevent and Treat Opioid Addiction Optimizing Care for People with Opioid Use Disorder and Mental Health Conditions NIDA INSTITUTE FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH, INC. LEE, MARY (contact); LEGON, WYNN Washington, D.C 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Therapeutics Development for Opioid Use Disorder in Patients with Co-occurring Mental Disorders (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-049
Summary:

Patients with opioid use disorder and co-occurring chronic pain and anxiety are at the highest risk for opioid overdose deaths. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is an innovative, noninvasive method that can be used to alter brain activity and potentially repair dysfunctional brain circuits involved in these disorders. This project will examine how LIFU directed to a small but critical brain region implicated in all three of these disorders, the anterior insula, can reduce drug craving, pain response, and anxiety symptoms as well as improve the physiological processes that may underlie the symptoms experienced by these patients.

1RF1NS131812-01A1
Targeting Checkpoint Inhibitors for Pain Control Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain NINDS DUKE UNIVERSITY JI, RU-RONG Durham, NC 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Discovery and Validation of Novel Targets for Safe and Effective Pain Treatment (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-22-034
Summary:

Immune checkpoint proteins regulate the immune system to prevent it from indiscriminately attacking cells. Some cancers activate these immune checkpoints to avoid attack, and drugs that target certain immune checkpoints are approved for cancer treatment. The same pathway may also be involved in pain because immune checkpoint proteins, such as programmed death 1 (PD-1) and the molecule that binds to it (programmed death ligand 1 [PD-L1]), also are found in sensory neurons, microglia, and macrophages. This project will investigate PD-1/PD-L1 in different cell populations to determine their contribution to pain and to the effects of opioids such as morphine. This knowledge may help identify new drugs for pain management that modify immune checkpoint activity.

1K99AR083482-01
Elucidating the Neuroimmune Mechanisms Underlying Pain and Inflammation in Autoimmune Arthritis Cross-Cutting Research Training the Next Generation of Researchers in HEAL NIAMS BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL JAIN, AAKANKSHA Boston, MA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral-to-Independent Career Transition Award in PAIN and SUD Research (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-22-022
Summary:

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by episodes of joint inflammation and pain. There are currently no safe and effective treatments that achieve long-term remission of the condition or the associated pain. Many patients use opioid medications to manage the pain and are at increased risk of developing opioid use disorder; therefore, additional treatment options are needed. In rheumatoid arthritis, pain-triggering sensory neurons interact with immune cells in the joints. This project aims to dissect the neuroimmune crosstalk underlying pain and inflammation in arthritic joints and uncover novel therapeutic avenues for this painful condition.

1UG3NS135173-01
Developing Radiocaine NaV imaging as a response monitoring biomarker for chronic pain Clinical Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Biomarkers, Endpoints, and Signatures for Pain Conditions NINDS LUTROO IMAGING LLC NORWOOD, BRAXTON (contact); IBRAHIM, MOHAB M Kalispell, MT 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:

There are currently no reliable tools to measure pain objectively, and health care providers must rely on patient’s subjective reports and observations of patient behavior to determine the level of pain a person experiences. This hampers both effective pain management and the development of new pain medications. This project will assess an imaging technology called Radiocaine that in animal studies has been able to identify the origin of pain as well as its intensity. The goal is to use Radiocaine in clinical trials for pain treatments, thereby enhancing treatment effectiveness and facilitating development of new treatments.

1R42NS132622-01
Targeting TLR4-lipid rafts to prevent postoperative pain Cross-Cutting Research Small Business Programs NINDS RAFT PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC DOUGHERTY, PATRICK M (contact); KOGAN, YAKOV San Diego, CA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Development of Therapies and Technologies Directed at Enhanced Pain Management (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-20-009
1R01DA059471-01
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Differentially Modulate Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell Function, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythms: Implications for Treatment New Strategies to Prevent and Treat Opioid Addiction Sleep Dysfunction as a Core Feature of Opioid Use Disorder and Recovery NIDA UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM CROPSEY, KAREN L (contact); GAMBLE, KAREN L Birmingham, AL 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:

People who use opioids, as well as those who take medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for opioid use disorder (OUD), report significant problems with sleep and biological rhythms. This project will explore the activity of a novel group of photosensitive neurons in the retinas, a potential source for sleep disturbances in these individuals. The research could lead to new treatment strategies and responses, but also may identify a non-invasive, circadian biomarker to predict recovery and relapse in people with OUD.

1U01DA059472-01
Value of Sleep Metrics in Predicting Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Outcomes: Leadership and Data Coordinating Center New Strategies to Prevent and Treat Opioid Addiction Sleep Dysfunction as a Core Feature of Opioid Use Disorder and Recovery NIDA HARVARD PILGRIM HEALTH CARE, INC. WANG, RUI (contact); PURCELL, SHAUN M; REDLINE, SUSAN S Canton, MA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative - Sleep Predictors of Opioid-Use Disorder Treatment Outcomes Program: Leadership and Data Co-ordinating Center (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-060
Summary:

Chronic opioid use has well-known effects on sleep quality and circadian rhythms, but few predictive metrics core to mental and physical health and well-being are available to guide treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (OUD). This project will identify observable characteristics related to sleep and circadian rhythms that predict OUD treatment outcomes, toward refining treatment strategies and developing new ones. This data coordinating center will ensure that (1) high quality and standardized data are collected across all research sites, (2) all milestones and regulatory requirements are met, (3) study results are reported in a timely manner, and (4) that data and results are disseminated broadly.

1R61DA059033-01A1
Implementing a Patient Navigation Intervention Across a Health System to Address Treatment Entry Inequities Translation of Research to Practice for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction Optimizing the Quality, Reach, and Impact of Addiction Services NIDA FRIENDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. ALEXANDER, KAREN (contact); GRYCZYNSKI, JAN Baltimore, MD 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:

Significant racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities affect access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment and have thus contributed to the opioid overdose crisis. Patient navigator interventions after hospitalization can improve access to treatment, but challenges prevent full adoption of these strategies. These include lack of coordination across institutions, inadequate data sharing, workforce shortages, and lack of awareness, especially in resource-limited communities. This project aims to develop a hospital system-wide patient navigation protocol that can be scaled up to address OUD treatment linkage and continuity after hospitalization.

1R33DA059884-01
ADAPT: Adaptive Decision Support for Addiction Treatment Translation of Research to Practice for the Treatment of Opioid Addiction Optimizing the Quality, Reach, and Impact of Addiction Services NIDA YALE UNIVERSITY MELNICK, EDWARD ROBERT New Haven, CT 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Translating Research to Practice to End the Overdose Crisis (R33 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-054
Summary:

Computerized clinical decision support tools offer a promising strategy to standardize and scale evidence-based practices to keep pace with the dynamic nature of the opioid crisis and overcome barriers to substance use disorder treatment. To change practice, such tools must be useful, usable, able to be integrated into routine care delivery, and supported by a multicomponent implementation strategy. This project will refine and evaluate the uptake, usability, and equity of a nationally disseminated multicomponent clinical decision support intervention to increase initiation of medication treatment for opioid use disorder in the emergency department.

1UG1DA059406-01
Development and Validation of a Novel Point-of-Care Technology for Rapid Non-Targeted Identification of Emerging Opioid and Other Drug Threats Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Rapidly Assessing the Public Health Impact of Emerging Opioid Threats NIDA UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO WERB, DANIEL M (contact); HALL, DREW ALEXANDER La Jolla, CA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Rapidly Assessing the Public Health Impact of Emerging Opioid Threats (UG1 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-DA-23-045
Summary:

Drug checking services provide individuals who use drugs with information about the true contents of their purchases, and thus may help prevent overdoses. However, current technologies are either costly, technically complex, and non-portable or subject to false signals and restricted in their detection capabilities. This project will continue development of a new, simple-to-use, point-of-care analytical technology (DoseCheck) that can rapidly detect established drug threats in a sample and recognize newly emerging drugs. The project will also attempt to adapt DoseCheck to provide rapid results in emergency overdose situations and improve the analytical capabilities of medical examiners in under-resourced jurisdictions.

1RF1NS135504-01
Development and Validation of a Porcine Model of Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain Preclinical and Translational Research in Pain Management Development and Optimization of Non-Addictive Therapies to Treat Pain NINDS EMORY UNIVERSITY FLOYD, CANDACE L (contact); DATTA, SANDEEP R; GENSEL, JOHN C Atlanta, GA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Development and Validation of Non-Rodent Mammalian Models of Pain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-22-070
Summary:

One of the most debilitating consequences of spinal cord injury is the development of chronic neuropathic pain, which is difficult to manage with existing pain treatments. Animal models and behavioral assays that better reflect the conditions in humans are urgently needed to help in identification of novel pain treatments. This project aims to develop a new model of spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain using pigs, because they are similar to humans in anatomy, size, metabolism, physiology, and the way their bodies process drugs.

1R01DE033321-01
Elucidating High Oral Fluid Exposure Mechanisms of Buprenorphine to Reduce Dental Caries Novel Therapeutic Options for Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Oral Complications Arising From Pharmacotherapies to Treat Opioid Use Disorders NIDCR UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON HU, MING (contact); WANG, BING-YAN Houston, TX 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Initiative: Oral Complications Arising from Pharmacotherapies to Treat Opioid Use Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: RFA-DE-23-015
Summary:

Buprenorphine is commonly used in medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorders. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning that the drug may lead to serious tooth damage in some patients. It is thought that high concentrations of the drug in saliva may contribute to tooth damage and decay. This project will use a mouse model of dental caries to explore the mechanism leading to high buprenorphine concentrations in saliva and examine ways to reduce concentrations in the mouth but not the rest of the body; it will also examine buprenorphine’s effects on the bacteria that lead to caries development.

1SB1AR083748-01
Commercial Readiness in CTS Pain Management Cross-Cutting Research Small Business Programs NIAMS HIGHLAND INSTRUMENTS, INC. WAGNER, TIMOTHY ANDREW (contact); DIPIETRO, LAURA Cambridge, MA 2023
NOFO Title: HEAL Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) Program: Embedded Entrepreneurs for Small Businesses in Pain Management (SB1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NOFO Number: PAR-23-069
4R33NS114954-02
The Inflammatory Index as a Biomarker for Pain in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Clinical Research in Pain Management Discovery and Validation of Biomarkers, Endpoints, and Signatures for Pain Conditions NINDS MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN BRANDOW, AMANDA M Milwaukee, WI 2023
NOFO Title: Discovery of Biomarkers, Biomarker Signatures, and Endpoints for Pain (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)
NOFO Number: RFA-NS-18-041