Selective COX-2 inhibition is favorable to human early and late-stage osteoarthritic cartilage: a human in vitro study

Celecoxib, in a clinical relevant concentration, showed in vitro a significant beneficial effect, not only on late-stage OA but also on more early stages of OA, whereas healthy cartilage remained unaffected, suggesting chondroprotective properties of celecoxib in the treatment of degenerative joint disorders.