The search for new COX-2 inhibitors: a review of 2002 - 2008 patents.
BACKGROUND
Two COX isoenzymes are known, COX-1 and COX-2, for which the main inhibitors are the NSAIDs. The common anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen) all act by blocking the action of both the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. The COX-2 inhibitors represent a new class of drugs that do not affect COX-1 but selectively block COX-2. This selective action provides the benefits of reducing inflammation without irritating the stomach and cardiovascular effects.


OBJECTIVE
This review focuses on patents published in the field during 2002 - 2008, paying particular attention to promising COX-2 inhibitors.


CONCLUSIONS
Structural analogues of the COX-2 inhibitors celecoxib and valdecoxib, and novel potential pyridazine, triazole, indole and thione derivatives emerge as promising leads for the treatment of inflammation, pain and other diseases.
Ramalho
Teodorico C
TC
Universidade Federal de Lavras, Departamento de Química, Campus universitário- UFLA, 37200-000 Lavras, MG, Brazil. teo@ufla.br
Rocha
Marcus  V J
M
da Cunha
Elaine F F
EF
Freitas
Matheus P
MP
D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D010330:Patents as Topic
D000700:Analgesics; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2