HEAL Initiative: Translational Development of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Devices (R18 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The HEAL Initiative is offering a grant opportunity for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic devices. The aim of this grant, which does not allow for clinical trials, is to create professional quality prototypes. These prototypes should be safe, effective, and non-addictive, using device-based technologies to treat pain.

The program's goal is to develop treatments that utilize credible neural targets for device-based interventions and diagnostics for pain. This will draw on recent knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of pain-related pathways. Areas of focus include the central, spinal, and peripheral systems.

Grant activities will help push the development of these new devices forward, bringing them up to the point where they are ready for first tests in human clinical trials. This will be achieved by addressing and overcoming key challenges that have been identified during initial proof-of-concept studies.

The program's scope includes the development and optimization of technology, as well as studies to prepare these devices for approval for human use.