Rofecoxib

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A synthetic, nonsteroidal derivative of phenyl-furanone with antiinflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties and potential antineoplastic properties. Rofecoxib binds to and inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in an inhibition of the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. COX-related metabolic pathways may represent key regulators of cell proliferation and neo-angiogenesis. Some epithelial tumor cell types overexpress pro-angiogenic COX-2. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - 4-[4'-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2(5H)-furanone - MK 966 - ROFECOXIB - Vioxx - Vioxx - rofecoxib