Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme that synthesizes prostaglandin, which has a variety of important functions in the body. Two types are known: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is constantly present in the body and is involved in maintaining the functions of the digestive organs, while COX-2 is a type of COX that is uniquely induced in conditions like inflammation, pain and cancer and is associated with the occurrence and maintenance of these conditions. COX-2 inhibitors selectively inhibit the action of COX-2, thereby treating these conditions, and are used with the same objective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2.

RQ-00317076 has completed pre-clinical second stage trials for tooth extraction pain (oral administration), and showed a pain-relieving effect that was stronger and faster than the existing first-choice drug ibuprofen, an NSAID. Furthermore, we have confirmed that the potential for kidney damage, which is a concern with COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs, is low. It is also believed that there is potential for it to be a new option as a COX-2 inhibitor, with different compound characteristics than existing drugs.