Pain Therapy Innovation
CAPToR is redefining the future of pain management through rigorous, mechanism-based research. From ion channel biology to AI-powered drug discovery, our scientists are uncovering the pathways that drive chronic pain and developing targeted, non-addictive treatments to improve lives.
The Center for Advanced Pain Therapeutics and Research (CAPToR) at the University of Florida is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of chronic pain. With millions affected nationwide and the opioid crisis continuing to impact communities, CAPToR focuses on developing safer, non-addictive alternatives through innovative, science-driven research. The center brings together experts from biology, neuroscience, engineering, and pharmacology to address this urgent public health challenge.
CAPToR’s research explores how pain becomes chronic and seeks new ways to interrupt that process. Using advanced technologies and collaborative approaches, researchers work to identify promising therapeutic strategies. The center also partners with veterinary scientists to develop pain treatments for animals, expanding its impact across species. Key areas of focus include:
- Investigating the biological mechanisms that drive chronic pain
- Accelerating drug discovery using AI and advanced screening platforms
- Translating research into real-world solutions for both human and animal health
By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and securing support from federal agencies and industry partners, CAPToR is building a foundation for long-term innovation in pain care. Its integrated approach positions the center as a leader in the development of non-opioid therapeutics and a catalyst for change in how pain is understood and treated.