Licofelone as a Dual COX/5-LOX Inhibitor: A Comprehensive Review of Its Physicochemical, Pharmacological, and Therapeutic Profiles in Osteoarthritis and Neurodegenerative Disorders. | ||||
| Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University | ||||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 03 August 2025 | ||||
| Document Type: Review Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/bfsa.2025.400585.2621 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
Khaled E. Abuelella   1; shaimaa Mosallam1; Sara M. Soliman1; Ahmed Hassen Elshafeey2
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| 1Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, 6th of October City, Giza 12585, Egypt | ||||
| 2Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562, Cairo, Egypt | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Licofelone (LF) is an analgesic drug with a unique pharmacological mechanism. It belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, it inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes in the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. It illustrated that it has superior efficacy compared to selective COX inhibition drugs. Dual COX/5-LOX inhibition exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Its therapeutic efficacy is primarily attributed to the suppression of proinflammatory prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes (LTs), which are critical mediators in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, LF does not cause gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with NSAIDs. Beyond its application in osteoarthritis management, LF has shown promising neuroprotective effects, attributed to its ability to regulate inflammatory cytokines, modulate the COX/5-LOX pathway, and influence immune responses. This review renders an updated comprehensive evaluation of LF, involving its physicochemical properties, Ultraviolet (UV)-Visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), pharmacological profile, metabolic pathways, safety in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, clinical applications, and therapeutic potential for targeting immune responses within the central nervous system (CNS). These studies consistently indicate that LF provides protective effects through the suppression of both COX/5-LOX pathways. This means supporting its potential in neuroprotection, osteoarthritis management, and so many other related diseases, in addition to low gastrointestinal tract (GIT) adverse reactions. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Licofelone; dual COX/5-LOX inhibitors; pharmacological profile; neurodegenerative disorders and osteoarthritis | ||||
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