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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has approved a new drug for treating osteoarthritis.
Pharmacia Corp. makes the drug, Bextra
(valdecoxib), while drug giant Pfizer Inc. is helping to promote
it. Bextra is a member of a class of anti-inflammatory drugs
known as COX-2 inhibitors, which work by blocking an enzyme
called cyclooxygenase 2. These drugs are believed to sidestep
the stomach-irritating effects of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive deterioration
in the cartilage of certain joints. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis,
which is an inherited autoimmune disease, osteoarthritis results
from overuse of joints, and can be a byproduct of strenuous
sports, obesity or aging.
Pharmacia said the drug would also be
indicated for treating rheumatoid arthritis and menstrual
pain.
Approval of Bextra, Pharmacia and Pfizer
said, was based upon global clinical trials involving more
than 5,000 patients. The companies said the trials showed
that a 10-milligram tablet of Bextra taken once daily was
as effective for treating osteoarthritis as the commonly prescribed
doses of other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen.
Reuters
Washington November 19, 2001
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