COX2 Inhibitor Market: Competitive Landscape, Pipeline, and Market Analysis 2023

COX2 inhibitors are a class of drugs that selectively inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is responsible for producing prostaglandins involved in inflammation and pain. By targeting COX-2, these inhibitors reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. They are primarily used in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, feline osteoarthritis, and acute pain. COX2 inhibitors differ from non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by specifically targeting the COX-2 enzyme while sparing COX-1, which is responsible for maintaining normal physiological functions like protecting the stomach lining. According to WHO, rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1% of the global population, with higher prevalence rates in Europe and the United States. In Europe, the estimated prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is around 0.5-1%, affecting millions of individuals. In the United States, around 1.3 million adults have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, osteoarthritis is a leading cause of joint pain and disability globally, affecting millions of people. In Europe, around 10% of the population is affected by osteoarthritis, while in the United States, more than 32 million adults have osteoarthritis.

The growth drivers of the COX2 inhibitor market include the increasing prevalence of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, globally. The rising aging population, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, contributes to the higher incidence of these conditions. Additionally, the demand for effective pain management options and the growing acceptance of COX2 inhibitors as a safer alternative to traditional NSAIDs drive market growth. Furthermore, continuous research and development efforts to improve the safety profile and efficacy of COX2 inhibitors are also key factors driving market expansion. Companies such as Novartis, AbbVie, Bayer, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharma, Achelios Therapy, Adastra Pharma, Allodynic, Antibe, Aptys Pharma, Axsome Therapy, Baudax Bio, Burke Therapy, Cadila, Celtic, Ceska Lekarnicka, Coeptis, Collegium Pharma, CrystalGenomics, Daewoong Pharma, Dr. Reddy's cater to this category. Moreover, many companies are coming up with new molecules in this space. For instance, GSK is one such company that is currently conducting a clinical trial of the drug GW406381 for the treatment of arthritis.

Key Developments

• In January 2023, Harrow health closed the acquisition of US commercial rights of Nepafenac from Novartis
• In June 2022, Tremeau Pharmaceuticals got patent protection for Rofecoxib in the US

Approved COX2 Inhibitor molecules

• Consensi (amlodipine, celecoxib)
• Metapain (nefopam, paracetamol)
• Celecoxib, diacerein
• Delivra-celecoxib cream
• Diclofenac, eperisone
• Diclofenac, misoprostol
• Etoricoxib, tramadol
• Naproxen delayed-release
• Oxycodone hydrochloride, aspirin
• Paracetamol Uniflash
• Loqoa Tape (esflurbiprofen transdermal)
• Ocufen (flurbiprofen ophthalmic solution)
• Tolfenamic acid

COX2 Inhibitor Pipeline Molecules

• CA102N
• E-58425
• Celecoxib, famciclovir (IMC-1)
• Celecoxib, tramadol (YYC301)
• Imrecoxib, tramadol (HR18042)
• Indometacin, L-menthol (K-285)
• Ketoprofen (TDT 070)
• ECP-1014
• SRP-001
• Topofen (ketoprofen topical gel 2%)
• Ibuprofen topical (TIB200)
• Indomethacin, levonorgestrel (BAY98-7443)
• Mefenamic acid (PSD508)
• Methyl salicylate and menthol (SPR300)

Clinical Activity and Development of COX2 Inhibitor

In the COX2 Inhibitor space, more than 66 companies are conducting more than 200 clinical trials in this category of drugs. For instance,

• In March 2023, US FDA assigned a PDUFA action date of (23/10/2023) for bupivacaine/meloxicam sNDA for Postoperative pain
• In March 2023, US FDA accepted sNDA for bupivacaine/meloxicam for postoperative pain in soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures in USA for review