Nitric-oxide based nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents

Concerns have been raised regarding cardiovascular safety of anti-inflammatory agents, both selective cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors and nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We describe the emerging new class of COX-inhibiting nitric oxide donors (CINOD), which have the potential to improve cardiovascular safety and spare the gastrointestinal tract. CINODs combine in the same molecule a nitric oxide (NO)-donating moiety and a well-established NSAID. Because NO protects both gastrointestinal mucosa from injury and vascular endothelial function, CINODs have the potential to be safe and effective new drugs for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarticular disorders.

Section editor:Martin Braddock – AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, Loughborough, UK