Celecoxib: a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors were developed to fill an important medical need. The rationale for the development of selective COX-2 inhibitors will be discussed using celecoxib as an example. A brief description of the pharmacology and selective binding to the COX-2 enzyme will be presented. Both preclinical and clinical data will be shown to demonstrate important clinical aspects of celecoxib. The efficacy data will include studies of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute pain conditions. Both gastroenterology and cardiovascular safety of celecoxib will be discussed. Finally, potential new therapeutic areas for celecoxib will be presented.