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The development of COX2 inhibitors
1Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK. r.j.flower@mds.qmul.ac.uk
Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|March 4, 2003
Summary
Aspirin
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Aspirin's therapeutic action was linked to inhibiting prostaglandin production by cyclooxygenase (COX) in the 1970s.
- Initial research hinted at a second form of cyclooxygenase with different drug sensitivities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the discovery of cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways.
- To explore the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs based on COX research.
- To discuss future directions in cyclooxygenase pharmacology.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of drug discovery timelines.
- Pharmacological pathway investigation.
Main Results:
- Identification of cyclooxygenase (COX) as the target of aspirin's action.
- Discovery of a second cyclooxygenase (COX-2) form.
- Development of a new generation of selective anti-inflammatory drugs.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms revolutionized anti-inflammatory drug development.
- Future research in cyclooxygenase pharmacology holds potential for novel therapeutics.