The Center for Advanced Pain Therapeutics and Research (CAPToR) at the University of Florida is a pioneering hub for preclinical and translational research focused on developing non-addictive pain therapeutics. Established within the College of Medicine, CAPToR brings together a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and clinicians to address the urgent public health challenges posed by chronic pain and opioid addiction. By leveraging UF’s robust infrastructure and fostering collaborations across colleges and campuses—including UF Scripps—the center accelerates drug discovery and therapeutic innovation through cutting-edge technologies such as high-throughput screening, artificial intelligence-driven pharmacology, and advanced molecular biology.
CAPToR is uniquely positioned to fill critical gaps in pain research by uniting experts in neuroscience, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, biomedical engineering, and medicinal chemistry. The center’s initiatives span from basic science to translational applications, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic planning. Through its cluster hiring model and shared core facilities, CAPToR creates a dynamic ecosystem that supports groundbreaking research, fosters mentorship, and enhances educational opportunities for trainees at all levels. Its work not only advances scientific understanding but also lays the foundation for real-world clinical applications and commercialization of novel therapeutics.
Beyond research, CAPToR is deeply committed to community engagement, education, and service. The center hosts symposia, seminars, and hands-on training programs to cultivate the next generation of pain researchers and clinicians. It also partners with industry, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to expand outreach and promote public awareness of pain management strategies. With a vision to transform both human and veterinary pain care, CAPToR stands as a beacon of excellence, driving innovation and improving lives through science.
CAPToR Mission Statement
The CAPToR mission is to lead the development of novel, non-addictive pain therapeutics to combat the growing public health crisis of chronic pain. CAPToR leverages the University of Florida's interdisciplinary infrastructure to accelerate drug discovery. This unique cross-cutting center in Florida serves all scientific disciplines and serves as a beacon of excellence in therapeutic innovation, inspiring others to follow best practices. The Center additionally advances the field by developing innovative methods, techniques, and fostering research collaborations.
