Safer Pain Solutions
Chronic pain and the opioid crisis are among the most pressing public health challenges of our time. At CAPToR, we educate, train, and collaborate to develop safer, science-based alternatives to opioid treatments. Through hands-on research, interdisciplinary learning, and community engagement, we’re building a future where pain can be managed without the risks of addiction.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is more than just a lingering ache—it’s a complex medical condition that can persist for months or even years, often without a clear cause. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal for injury, chronic pain can continue long after the body has healed. It affects nearly one in four adults in the U.S. and can interfere with daily activities, work, sleep, and emotional well-being.
The impact of chronic pain extends beyond the individual. It places a significant burden on families, healthcare systems, and the economy. People living with chronic pain are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Many also face challenges accessing effective treatment, especially as concerns about opioid misuse have led to stricter prescribing practices.
At CAPToR, we believe that education is a powerful tool in addressing this public health crisis. By raising awareness about the causes and consequences of chronic pain—and the urgent need for safer, science-based treatments—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and communities to advocate for better care and support.
The Opioid Crisis
For decades, opioids were the default treatment for chronic pain. While they can offer short-term relief, long-term use carries serious risks—including dependence, addiction, and overdose. The widespread use of opioids has fueled a national crisis, with tens of thousands of overdose deaths reported annually. In Florida alone, nearly 8,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2022, most involving opioids.
This crisis has created a pressing need for safer, more effective pain treatments. As prescribing practices shift and awareness grows, patients and providers alike are seeking alternatives that do not carry the same risks. Education about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of evidence-based pain management is essential to reversing these trends and improving public health.
CAPToR’s Mission for Safer Pain Therapeutics
CAPToR is dedicated to transforming how chronic pain is understood and treated—by advancing non-opioid therapeutics that address the biological mechanisms of pain without the risks of addiction. Through interdisciplinary research, cutting-edge technologies, and a robust educational framework, CAPToR is helping shape a future where pain relief is both effective and safe.
Training and Research Opportunities:
- Laboratory Training: Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers receive hands-on instruction in advanced techniques such as electrophysiology, RNA-scope, and behavioral assays.
- Collaborative Learning: Member laboratories engage in cross-disciplinary research spanning pharmacology, engineering, veterinary medicine, and more.
- Advanced Technologies: CAPToR facilitates access to high-throughput screening, AI-driven drug discovery, and in vivo models through partnerships with UF Scripps and other research centers.
Professional Development and Engagement:
- Translational Research: Trainees and faculty are encouraged to initiate studies that bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, aligning with UF’s commitment to impactful, real-world science.
- Public Health Contributions: CAPToR supports outreach and education initiatives that emphasize the importance of non-opioid alternatives in addressing the opioid crisis.
- CAPToR Pain Seminar Series: Open to all UF faculty, staff, and students, this bi-monthly seminar—organized by Dr. Tyler Nelson of the Khanna Laboratory—features leading voices in pain research. Visit the Events and Programs page for details and the current schedule.
By fostering technical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement, CAPToR is preparing the next generation of leaders to advance the science of pain and improve lives across human and animal populations.