Advances in the field of COX-2 inhibition

Cyclooxygenase is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostanoids, biologically active substances that are involved in several physiological processes but also in pathological conditions, such as inflammation. It is actually well known that this enzyme exists under two forms: COX-1 and COX-2. Both enzymes are sensitive to inhibition by conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Observations that COX-1 was involved in several homeostatic processes, while COX-2 expression was associated with inflammation and other pathologies, such as cancer proliferation, have led to the development of COX-2 selective inhibitors to improve the therapeutic potency and to reduce the classical side effects associated with the use of conventional NSAIDs. A large number of patents concerning COX inhibition are claimed each year and this article reviews patents claimed during the period January 1998 to December 2001.