It07:Vioxx

Vioxx
IUPAC Name
4-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-3-phenyl-5H-furan-2-one
Other name
Rofecoxib
Identifiers
ATC Code	{{{ATC_Code}}}
CAS number	162011-90-7
PubChem (CID)	5090
SMILES	CS(=O)(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=C(C(=O)OC2)C3=CC=CC=C3
Chemical Data
Molecular formula	C17H14O4S
Molar mass	314.35566 g/mol
Physical Data
Melting Point	204.7°C
Pharmacokinetic Data
Bioavailability	93%
Protein Binding	87%
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	17 hours
Excretion	biliary
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	C
Legal status	withdrawn
Routes	oral

Introduction

Vioxx is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) developed by Merck. It was seen as a breakthrough in pain relief for arthritis sufferers due to its lack of side effects. Merck withdrew the drug in September 2003.

Controversy

On September 30, 2004 Merck voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from the market. This was the result of several studies, but, in particular Mercks own study; APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp PRevention On Vioxx).

APPROVe

In 2001, Merck began a three year study with the main aim being to test the efficacy of Vioxx as a prevention to rectal polyps. A second, anillary, study was to evaluate the cardiovascular safety of the drug.

Rectal polyp

3D Rendition of Vioxx

Vioxx