New arthritis drug - Mobic - Brief Article - Product Announcement

Running & FitNews, April, 2001

The real breakthrough was when the COX-2 inhibiting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) first emerged. First was Celebrex. Next came Vioxx. Now there is Mobic (or meloxicam) for the treatment of the symptoms of osteoarthritis. For those who suffer chronic arthritis pain, these drugs were a true innovation. The first generation of NSAIDs worked by inhibiting both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes because they could not distinguish between the two. COX-2 enzymes are involved in pain and swelling. COX-1 enzymes affect the prostaglandins that protect the stomach and kidneys. The new NSAIDs are smarter because they work only against the COX-2 enzymes--pain relief with fewer gastrointestinal side effects like bleeding. The new drug, Mobic, is expected to be less expensive than the very expensive Celebrex and Vioxx. For those who suffer chronic pain, having more options is good news.

(Food and Drug Administration, April, 2000)