Definition

An orally bioavailable inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), with potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon oral administration, COX-2 inhibitor ECP-1014 inhibits COX-2, thereby inhibiting the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This may reduce pain and inflammation. The COX-2/PGE 2 pathway may also play an important role in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). COX-2 is overexpressed in certain tumor cells.