EP0853481A1

EP0853481A1 - Compositions for treating inflammation containing certain prostaglandins and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

Info

Publication number: EP0853481A1
Application number: EP96930930A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Petpiboon Prasit; Robert N. Young
Original assignee: Merck Frosst Canada and Co
Current assignee: Merck Frosst Canada and Co
Priority date: 1995-09-27
Filing date: 1996-09-24
Publication date: 1998-07-22
Also published as: WO1997011701A1; AU6981996A; CA2231550A1

Abstract

A method of treating cyclooxygenase mediated disease while promoting the healing of certain lesions including gastric ulcers comprising the co-administration of certain prostaglandins and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, or the co-administration of an anti-ulcer agent and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor as defined herein.

Description

COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING INFLAMMATION CONTAINING CERTAIN PROSTAGLANDINS Al D A SELECTIVE CYCLOOXYGENASE-2 INHIBITOR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 This invention relates to a method of treating cyclooxygenase mediated diseases in patients with ulcers. Disclosed is a method of treating cyclooxygenase mediated disease while promoting the healing of certain lesions including gastric ulcers comprising the co- administration of certain prostaglandins and a selective cyclooxygenase-

10 2 inhibitor, or the co-administration of an anti-ulcer agent and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor as defined below.

Non-steroidal, anti inflammatory drugs exert most of their anti inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity and inhibit hormone-induced uterine contractions and certain types of cancer

15 growth through inhibition of prostaglandin G/H synthase, also known as cyclooxygenase. Up until recently, only one form of cyclooxygenase had been characterized, this corresponding to cyclooxygenase- 1 or the constitutive enzyme, as originally identified in bovine seminal vesicles. Recently the gene for a second inducible form of cyclooxygenase

20 (cyclooxygenase-2) has been cloned, sequenced and characterized from chicken, murine and human sources. This enzyme is distinct from the cyclooxygenase- 1 which has now also been cloned, sequenced and characterized from sheep, murine and human sources. The second form of cyclooxygenase, cyclooxygenase-2, is rapidly and readily inducible

25 by a number of agents including mitogens, endotoxin, hormones, cytokines and growth factors. As prostaglandins have both physiological and pathological roles, we have concluded that the constitutive enzyme, cyclooxygenase- 1, is responsible, in large part, for endogenous basal release of prostaglandins and hence is important in

30 their physiological functions such as the maintenance of gastrointestinal integrity and renal blood flow. In contrast, we have concluded that the inducible form, cyclooxygenase-2, is mainly responsible for the pathological effects of prostaglandins where rapid induction of the enzyme would occur in response to such agents as inflammatory agents, hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. Thus, a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 will have similar anti inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties to a conventional non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug, and in addition would inhibit hormone-induced uterine contractions and have potential anti-cancer effects, but will have a diminished ability to induce some of the mechanism-based side effects. In particular, such a compound should have a reduced potential for gastrointestinal toxicity, a reduced potential for renal side effects, a reduced effect on bleeding times and possibly a lessened ability to induce asthma attacks in aspirin-sensitive asthmatic subjects.

US 5,015,481, issued May 14, 1991 discloses the use of defined combinations of NSAID's and prostaglandins for the prevention of NSAID induced ulcers. WO 91/16896, published November 14, 1991 discloses defined combinations of NSAID's and prostaglandins to treat mild to moderate pain. WO 91/16895, published November 14, 1991 discloses a pharmaceutical composition including a core of an NSAID selected from diclofenac and piroxacam which core is surrounded by a mantle coating of a prostaglandin, wherein an intermediate coating can be present between the NSAID core and the prostaglandin mantle coating. US 5,232,704 discloses a sustained release dosage form of prostaglandin which in combination which is said to be useful for the prevention of NSAID induced ulcers.

More recently, it has been disclosed that NSAID induced gastric ulcers are caused by the cyclooxygenase- 1 activity found inmost NSAID's. Accordingly, the treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases by administration of an NSAID that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 in substantial preference to cyclooxygenase- 1 eliminates the advantage of co-administering prostaglandin with the NSAID for purposes of preventing NSAID induced ulcers. Suφrisingly, we have found that in addition to its negative role in the inflammatory process, cyclooxygenase-2 also plays an important positive role in gastric mucosal protection and in promoting the healing of certain lesions including gastric ulcers. Accordingly, the applicants disclose a method of treating cyclooxygenase mediated disease while promoting the healing of certain lesions including gastric ulcers comprising the co- administration of certain prostaglandins and a selective cycooxygenase-2 inhibitor, or the co-administration of an anti-ulcer agent and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor as defined below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method of treating cyclooxygenase mediated disease while promoting the healing of certain lesions including gastric ulcers and protecting the gastric mucosa comprising the co-administration of certain prostaglandin and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, or the co-administration of an anti-ulcer agent and a selective cyclooxygenase- 2 inhibitor as defined below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention encompasses a method of treating cyclooxygenase mediated disease while promoting the healing of certain lesions including gastric ulcers comprising the co-administration of a prostaglandins and a selective cycooxygenase-2 inhibitor, or the co- administration of an anti-ulcer agent and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor as defined below.

For purposes of this specification a compound shall be defined as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor if the ratio of it's IC50 for the inhibition of cyclooxygenase- 1 divided by it's IC50 for the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2, as measured as described in this specification or a comparable method is 200 or greater; preferably 1000 or greater.

Accordingly, for purposes of this specification selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors includes, but is not limited to compounds of Formula I

I

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein: X-Y-Z-is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) -C(0)-0-CR5(R5^*)-,

(b) -C(0)-CH2-CR5(R5'),

(c) -CH2-CH2-CH2-

Rl is selected from the group consisting of

(a) S(0)2CH3,

(b) S(0)2NH2,

(c) S(0)2NHC(0)CF3,

R2 is selected from the group consisting of (a) Cl-6alkyl,

(b) C3, C4, C5, C6, and Cη, cycloalkyl,

(c) mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or naphthyl wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of (1) hydrogen, (2) halo,

(3) Cl-6alkoxy,

(4) Cl-6alkylthio,

(5) CN,

(6) CF3, (7) Cl-6alkyl,

(8) N3,

(9) -CO2H,

(10) -C02-Ci-4alkyl, (11) -C(R3)(R4)-OH,

( 12) -C(R3)(R4)-0-C 1 -4alkyl, and

(13) -Ci-6alkyl-C02-R3;

(d) mono-, di- or tri-substituted heteroaryl wherein the heteroaryl is a monocyclic aromatic ring of 5 atoms, said ring having one hetero atom which is S, O, or N, and optionally 1, 2, or 3 additionally N atoms; or the heteroaryl is a monocyclic ring of 6 atoms, said ring having one hetero atom which is N, and optionally 1, 2, 3, or 4 additional N atoms; said substituents are selected from the group consisting of

(1) hydrogen,

(2) halo, including fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo,

(3) Cl-6alkyl, (4) Ci-6alkoxy,

(5) Ci-6alkylthio,

(6) CN,

(7) CF3,

(8) N3, (9) -C(R3)(R4)-OH, and

(10) -C(R3)(R4)-0-Cl-4alkyl;

(e) benzoheteroaryl which includes the benzo fused analogs of

(d);

R3, R4, R5 and R5'are each independently selected from the group consisting of

(a) hydrogen,

(b) Cl-6alkyl.

Additional selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors within the scope of claimed method include: as well as compounds disclosed in WO 94/13635, published June 23, 1994; US 5,344,911, issued September 6, 1994; and WO 94/15932, published July 21 1994, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Additional selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors within the scope of claimed method include Diclofenac, those disclosed in USSN 08/330, filed October 27, 1994; USSN 08/361,268, filed December 21, 1994 and USSN 08/443,620, filed May 18, 1995, all of which are incorporated by method.

For purposes of this specification alkyl is defined to include linear, branched, and cyclic structures, with Cl-6alkyl including methyl, ethyl, propyl, 2-propyl, s- and t-butyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, 1,1- dimethylethyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. Similarly, Cl-6alkoxy is intended to include alkoxy groups of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms of a straight, branched, or cyclic configuration. Examples of lower alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, cyclopropyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, and the like. Likewise, Cl-6alkylthio is intended to include alkylthio groups of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms of a straight, branched or cyclic configuration. Examples of lower alkylthio groups include methylthio, propylthio, isopropylthio, cycloheptylthio, etc. By way of illustration, the propylthio group signifies -SCH2CH2CH3.

Heteroaryl includes furan, thiophene, pyrrole, isoxazole, isothiazole, pyrazole, oxazole, thiazole, imidazole, 1,2,3-oxadiazole, 1 ,2,3-thiadiazole, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-triazole, 1,2,5-oxadiazole, 1,2,5-thiadiazole, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, 1,2,4-triazine, 1,3,5-triazine, 1,2,4,5-tetrazine, and the like. Exemplifying the invention are:

(a) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- cy clopenten- 1 -one

(b) 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5 )-furanone,

(c) 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5H)-furanone,

(d) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, (e) 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-

(5H)-furanone,

(f) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5 i^r)-furanone,

(g) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulf onyl)phenyl)-2-(5 )-furanone,

(h) 3-(3,4-Difluoroρhenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyI)phenyl)-2-

(5H)-furanone,

(i) 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-

(5H)-furanone, (j) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3,4-difluoroρhenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5 )-furanone, (k) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3,4-dichloroρhenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5 )-furanone, (1) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5 T)-ruranone,

(m) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(2-naphthyl)-4-(4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5 /)-furanone, (n) 3-phenyl-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)- furanone.

For purposes of this specification the prostaglandin suitable sed method includes the compounds of Formula II

wherein

R is hydrogen or Ci-6alkyl;

Rl is hydrogen, vinyl or Cl-4alkyl and the wavy line represents R or S stereochemistry;

R2, R3, and R4 are hydrogen or Cl-4alkyl or R2 and R3 together with carbon b form a cycloalkenyl having 4 to 6 carbon atoms or R3 and R4 together with carbons a and b form a cycloalkenyl having 4 to 6 carbons and wherein the a-b bond can be saturated or unsaturated.

These useful prostaglandins include misoprostol, ±methyl Hoc, 16-dihydroxy-16-methyl-9-oxoρrost 13E-en-l-oate; enisoprost and methyl-7- [2B- [6-( 1 -cyclopenten- 1 -yl)-4-hydroxy-4-methyl- 1 E, 5E- hexadienyl]-3α-hydroxy-5-oxo IR, lα-cycloρentyl]-4Z-heptenoate. Prostaglandins within the scope of the invention also include arbaprostil, enprostil, rioprostol, nocloprost, mexiprostil, ornoprostol, dimoxaprost, tiprostanide, and rosaprostol.

In one aspect applicants method includes the use of the prostaglandin misoprostol with Diclofenac. With regard to the illustrated structures of formula II, the dashed line indicates the grouping being behind the plane of the paper and the solid, blackened triangular shape indicates that the group is in front of the plane of the paper.

The prostaglandins useful in the composition of the invention herein can be prepared by known reaction schemes such as by the methods taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,965,143; 4,271,314; and 4,683,328 and in an article by P.W. Collins and J.W. Djurie, Chem. Rev. 1993, £2., 1533-1564.. The individual isomers can be obtained by chromatographic separation. The prostaglandin is preferably an orally available prostaglandin.

When the prostaglandin is misoprostol, (±) methyl 11 alpha, 16 dihydroxy 16 methyl-9-oxoprostl3E-en-l-oate, the misoprostol is present in an amount of about 100 to 200 meg (micrograms).

For purposes of this specification, the anti-ulcer agent shall be defined to include cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, ranitidine and the like.

As appreciated by those of skill in the art, the co- administration of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor with an additional active agent, such as a prostaglandin or anti-ulcer agent, includes situations wherein both active agents are provided in a single dosage orm as well as situations wherein the active agents are provided in separate dosage forms. For example, while for patient compliance it may be advantageous to provide both agents in a single dosage form, depending on the particular species selected, it may be advantage to administer one of the agents three times a day and the other twice a day. Some of the compounds described herein contain one or more asymmetric centers and may thus give rise to diastereomers and optical isomers. The present invention is meant to comprehend such possible diastereomers as well as their racemic and resolved, enantiomerically pure forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Some of the compounds described herein contain olefinic double bonds, and unless specified otherwise, are meant to include both E and Z geometric isomers.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise a compound of Formula I as an active ingredient or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, thereof, and may also contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and optionally other therapeutic ingredients. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refers to salts prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic bases including inorganic bases and organic bases. Salts derived from inorganic bases include aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic salts, manganous, potassium, sodium, zinc, and the like. Particularly preferred are the ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium salts. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases include salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines, and basic ion exchange resins, such as arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N_- dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2- dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N- ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyamine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropy lamine, tromethamine, and the like.

It will be understood that in the discussion of methods of treatment which follows, references to the compounds of Formula I are meant to also include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

The Compound of Formula I is useful for the relief of pain, fever and inflammation of a variety of conditions including rheumatic fever, symptoms associated with influenza or other viral infections, common cold, low back and neck pain, dysmenorrhea, headache, toothache, sprains and strains, myositis, neuralgia, synovitis, arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis), gout and ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, burns, injuries, following surgical and dental procedures. In addition, such a compound may inhibit cellular neoplastic transformations and metastic tumor growth and hence can be used in the treatment of cancer. Compounds of formula I may also be useful for the treatment of dementia including pre-senile and senile dementia, and in particular, dementia associated with Alzheimer Disease (ie Alzheimer's dementia). Compounds of formula I will also inhibit prostanoid- induced smooth muscle contraction by preventing the synthesis of contractile prostanoids and hence may be of use in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, premature labor and asthma.

By virtue of its high cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity and or its selectivity for cyclooxygenase-2 over cyclooxygenase- 1

(COX-1) as defined above, compounds of formula I will prove useful as an alternative to conventional non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID'S) particularly where such non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs may be contra-indicated such as in patients with peptic ulcers, gastritis, regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis or with a recurrent history of gastrointestinal lesions; GI bleeding, coagulation disorders including anemia such as hypoprothrombinemia, haemophilia or other bleeding problems (including those relating to reduced or impaired platelet function); kidney disease (eg impaired renal function); those prior to surgery or taking anticoagulants; and those susceptable to NSAID induced asthma.

Similarly, compounds of formula I, will be useful as a partial or complete substitute for conventional NSAID'S in preparations wherein they are presently co-administered with other agents or ingredients. Thus in further aspects, the invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions for treating cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases as defined above comprising a non-toxic therapeutically effective amount of the compound of Formula I as defined above and one or more ingredients such as another pain reliever including acetominophen or phenacetin; a potentiator including caffeine; an H2- antagonist, aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, simethicone, a decongestant including phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudophedrine, oxymetazoline, ephinephrine, naphazoline, xylometazoline, propylhexedrine, or levo-desoxyephedrine; an antiitussive including codeine, hydrocodone, caramiphen, carbetapentane, or dextramethorphan; a diuretic; a sedating or non- sedating antihistamine. In addition the invention encompasses a method of treating cyclooxygenase mediated diseases comprising: administration to a patient in need of such treatment a non-toxic therapeutically effect amount of the compound of Formula I, optionally co-administered with one or more of such ingredients as listed immediately above.

As indicated above, pharmaceutical compositions for treating cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases as defined may include one or more ingredients as listed above as well as a compound of formula II.

The pharmaceutical compositions containing the active ingredient may be in a form suitable for oral use, for example, as tablets, troches, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs. Compositions intended for oral use may be prepared according to any method known to the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions may contain one or more agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents and preserving agents in order to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations. Tablets contain the active ingredient in admixture with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. These excipients may be for example, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents, for example, corn starch, or alginic acid; binding agents, for example starch, gelatin or acacia, and lubricating agents, for example, magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absoφtion in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed. They may also be coated by the technique described in the U.S. Patent 4,256,108; 4,166,452; and 4,265,874 to form osmotic therapeutic tablets for control release.

Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredients is mixed with water or an oil medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin, or olive oil.

Aqueous suspensions contain the active material in admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Such excipients are suspending agents, for example sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxy- propylmethycellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia; dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally-occurring phosphatide, for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide with fatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, for example heptadecaethylene- oxycetanol, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, for example ethyl, or n- propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents, and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose, saccharin or aspartame.

Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forth above, and flavoring agents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of an anti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.

Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloring agents, may also be present.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be in the form of an oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, for example olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, for example liquid paraffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may be naturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soy bean, lecithin, and esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate, and condensation products of the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavouring agents.

Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, for example glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also contain a demulcent, a preservative and flavoring and coloring agents. The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally- acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butane diol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this puφose any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.

Compounds of formula I may also be administered in the form of a suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non¬ irritating excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials are cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols. For topical use, creams, ointments, jellies, solutions or suspensions, etc., containing the compound of Formula I are employed. (For puφoses of this application, topical application shall include mouth washes and gargles.)

Specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor dosage levels of the order of from about 0.01 mg to about 140 mg/kg of body weight per day are useful in the treatment of the above-indicated conditions, or alternatively about 0.5 mg to about 7 g per patient per day. For example, inflammation may be effectively treated by the administration of from about 0.01 to 50 mg of the compound per kilogram of body weight per day, or alternatively about 0.5 mg to about 3.5 g per patient per day.

With regard to the prostaglandins, typical dosages by be as much as 25 to 1600 μg per day; more typically 200 to 800 μg per day (eg 200, 400, 600 or 800 μg per day. Single dosage forms may typically contain 5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, 400 or 500 μg per tablet.

When the prostaglandin is misoprostol, (±) methyl 11 alpha, 16 dihydroxy 16 methyl-9-oxoprostl3E-en-l-oate, the misoprostol is present in the dosage form (eg tablet) in an amount of about 100 to 200 μg. See, for example, a Physicans Desk Reference (PDR).

With regard to anti-ulcer agents, such as those described above, the dosages may typically range from 10 to 800 mg per day or more, with single dosages containing 10, 20, 30 ,100, 200, 400 or 800 mg of active agent. The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. For example, a formulation intended for the oral administration of humans may contain from 0.5 mg to 5 g of specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor compounded with a prostaglandin of formula II and an appropriate and convenient amount of carrier material which may vary from about 5 to about 95 percent of the total composition. Dosage unit forms will generally contain between from about 1 mg to about 500 mg of an active ingredient, typically 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg, or 1000 mg of specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor.

It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination and the severity of the particular disease undergoing therapy.

Assays for Determining Biological Activity

The compound of Formula I can be tested using the following assays to determine their cyclooxygenase-2 inhibiting activity.

INHIBITION OF CYCLOOXYGENASE ACTIVITY

Compounds are tested as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase activity in whole cell cyclooxygenase assays. Both of these assays measure prostaglandin E2 synthesis in response to arachidonic acid, using a radioimmunoassay. Cells used for these assays are human osteosarcoma 143 cells (which specifically express COX-2) and human U-937 cells (which specifically express COX-1). In these assays, 100% activity is defined as the difference between prostaglandin E2 synthesis in the absence and presence of arachidonate. Whole Cell Assays

For cyclooxygenase assays, osteosarcoma cells are cultured in 1 mL of media in 24-well multidishes (Nunclon) until confluent (1-2 x 10 cells/well). U-937 cells are grown in spinner flasks and resuspended to a final density of 1.5 x 10 cells/mL in 24-well multidishes (Nunclon). Following washing and resuspension of osteosarcoma and U-937 cells in 1 mL of HBSS, 1 μL of a DMSO solution of test compound or DMSO vehicle is added, and samples gently mixed. All assays are performed in triplicate. Samples are then incubated for 5 or 15 minutes at 37C, prior to the addition of arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid (peroxide-free, Cayman Chemical) is prepared as a 10 mM stock solution in ethanol and further diluted 10- fold in HBSS. An aliquot of 10 μL of this diluted solution is added to the cells to give a final arachidonic acid concentration of 10 μM. Control samples are incubated with ethanol vehicle instead of arachidonic acid. Samples are again gently mixed and incubated for a further 10 min. at 37C. For osteosarcoma cells, reactions are then stopped by the addition of 100 μL of IN HCl, with mixing and by the rapid removal of the solution from cell monolayers. For U-937 cells, reactions are stopped by the addition of 100 μL of IN HCl, with mixing. Samples are then neutralized by the addition of 100 μL of IN NaOH and PGE2 levels measured by radioimmunoassay.

Whole cell assays for COX-2 and COX-1 using CHO transfected cell lines

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines which have bleen stably transfected with an eukaryotic expression vector pCDNAIII containing either the human COX-1 or COX-2 cDNA's are used for the assay. These cell lines are referred to as CHO [hCOX-1] and CHO [hCOX-2], respectively. For cyclooxygenase assays, CHO[hCOX-l] cells from suspension cultures and CHO[hCOX-2] cells prepared by trypsinization of adherent cultures are harvested by centrifugation (300 x g, 10 min) and washed once in HBSS containing 15 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, and resuspended in HBSS, 15 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, at a cell concentration of 1.5 x 10 cells/ml. Drugs to be tested are dissolved in DMSO to 66.7- fold the highest test drug concentration. Compounds are typically tested at 8 concentrations in duplicate using serial 3-fold serial dilutions in DMSO of the highest drug concentration. Cells (0.3 x IO⁶ cells in 200 μl) are preincubated with 3 μl of the test drug or DMSO vehicle for 15 min at 37C. Working solutions of peroxide-free AA (5.5 μM and 110 μM AA for the CHO [hCOX-1] and CHO [COX-2] assays, respectively) are prepared by a 10-fold dilution of a concentrated AA solution in ethanol into HBSS containing 15 mM HEPES, pH 7.4. Cells are then challenged in the presence or absence of drug with the AA HBSS solution to yield a final concentration of 0.5 μM AA in the CHO[hCOX- 1] assay and a final concentration of 10 μM AA in the CHO[hCOX-2] assay. The reaction is terminated by the addition of 10 μl 1 N HCl followed by neutralization with 20 μl of 0.5 N NaOH. The samples are centrifuged at 300 x g at 4C for 10 min, and an aliquot of the clarified supernatant is appropriately diluted for the determination of PGE2 levels using an enzyme-linked immunoassay for PGE2 (Correlate PGE2 enzyme immunoassay kit, Assay Designs, Inc.). Cyclooxygenase activity in the absence of test compounds is determined as the difference in

PGE2 levels of cells challenged with arachidonic acid versus the PGE2 levels in cells mock-challenged with ethanol vehicle. Inhibition of PGE2 synthesis by test compounds is calculated as a percentage of the activity in the presence of drug versus the activity in the positive control samples.

Assay of COX-1 Activity from U937 cell microsomes

U 937 cells are pelleted by centrifugation at 500 x g for 5 min and washed once with phosphate-buffered saline and repelleted. Cells are resuspended in homogenization buffer consisting of 0.1 M Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, 10 mM EDTA, 2 μg/ml leupeptin, 2 μg/ml soybean trypsin inhibitor, 2 μg/ml aprotinin and 1 mM phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride. The cell suspension is sonicated 4 times for 10 sec and is centrifuged at 10,000 x g for 10 min at 4° C. The supernatant is centrifuged at 100,000 x g for 1 hr at 4 ° C. The 100,000 x g microsomal pellet is resuspended in 0.1 M Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, 10 mM EDTA to approximately 7 mg protein/ml and stored at -80° C.

Microsomal preparations are thawed immediately prior to use, subjected to a brief sonication, and then diluted to a protein concentration of 125 μg/ml in 0.1 M Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.4 containing 10 mM EDTA, 0.5 mM phenol, 1 mM reduced glutathione and 1 μM hematin. Assays are performed in duplicate in a final volume of 250 μl. Initially, 5 μl of DMSO vehicle or drug in DMSO are added to 20 μl of 0.1 M Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.4 containing 10 mM EDTA in wells of a 96-deepwell polypropylene titre plate. 200 μl of the microsomal preparation are then added and pre-incubated for 15 min at room temperature before addition of 25 μl of 1 M arachidonic acid in 0.1 M Tris-HCl and 10 mM EDTA, pH 7.4. Samples are incubated for 40 min at room temperature and the reaction is stopped by the addition of 25 μl of 1 N HCl. Samples are neutralized with 25 μl of 1 N NaOH prior to quantitation of PGE2 content by radioimmunoassay (Dupont-NEN or Amersham assay kits). Cyclooxygenase activity is defined as the difference between PGE2 levels in samples incubated in the presence of arachidonic acid and ethanol vehicle.

Assay of the activity of purified human COX-2

The enzyme activity is measured using a chromogenic assay based on the oxidation of N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) during the reduction of PGG2 to PGH2 by COX-2 (Copeland et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 91, 11202-11206).

Recombinant human COX-2 is purified from Sf9 cells as previously described (Percival et al (1994) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 15, 111-118). The assay mixture (180 μL) contains 100 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.5, 2 mM genapol X-100, 1 μM hematin, 1 mg/ml gelatin , 80-100 units of purified enzyme (One unit of enzyme is defined as the amount of enzyme required to produce an O.D. change of 0.00 l/min at 610 nm) and 4 μL of the test compound in DMSO. The mixture is pre-incubated at room temperature (22°C) for 15 minutes prior to initiation of the enzymatic reaction by the addition of 20 μL of a sonicated solution of 1 mM arachidonic acid (AA) and 1 mM TMPD in assay buffer (without enzyme or hematin). The enzymatic activity is measured by estimation of the initial velocity of TMPD oxidation over the first 36 sec of the reaction. A non-specific rate of oxidation is observed in the absence of enzyme (0.007 - 0.010 O.D. /min) and is subtracted before the calculation of the % inhibition. IC50 values are derived from 4- parameter least squares non-linear regression analysis of the log-dose vs % inhibition plot.

HUMAN WHOLE BLOOD ASSAY

Rationale

Human whole blood provides a protein and cell-rich milieu appropriate for the study of biochemical efficacy of anti-inflammatory compounds such as selective COX-2 inhibitors. Studies have shown that normal human blood does not contain the COX-2 enzyme. This is consistent with the observation that COX-2 inhibitors have no effect on PGE2 production in normal blood. These inhibitors are active only after incubation of human whole blood with LPS, which induces COX- 2. This assay can be used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of selective COX-2 inhibitors on PGE2 production. As well, platelets in whole blood contain a large amount of the COX- 1 enzyme. Immediately following blood clotting, platelets are activated through a thrombin- mediated mechanism. This reaction results in the production of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) via activation of COX-1. Thus, the effect of test compounds on TxB2 levels following blood clotting can be examined and used as an index for COX-1 activity. Therefore, the degree of selectivity by the test compound can be determined by measuring the levels of PGE2 after LPS induction (COX-2) and TxB2 following blood clotting (COX-1) in the same assay.

Method A. COX-2 (LPS-induced PGE2 production)

Fresh blood is collected in heparinized tubes by venipuncture from both male and female volunteers. The subjects have no apparent inflammatory conditions and have not taken any NSAIDs for at least 7 days prior to blood collection. Plasma is immediately obtained from a 2mL blood aliquot to use as blank (basal levels of PGE2). The remaining blood is incubated with LPS (100 μg/ml final concentration, Sigma Chem, #L-2630 from E. coli; diluted in 0.1% BSA (Phosphate buffered saline) for 5 minutes at room temperature. Five hundred μL aliquots of blood are incubated with either 2μL of vehicle (DMSO) or 2μL of a test compound at final concentrations varying from lOnM to

30μM for 24 hours at 37°C. At the end of the incubation, the blood is centrifuged at 12,000 x g for 5 minutes to obtain plasma. A lOOμL aliquot of plasma is mixed with 400μL of methanol for protein precipitation. The supernatant is obtained and is assayed for PGE2 using a radioimmunoassay kit (Amersham, RPA#530) after conversion of PGE2 to its methyl oximate derivative according to the manufacturer's procedure.

B. COX-1 (Clotting-induced TxB2 production) Fresh blood is collected into vacutainers containing no anticoagulants. Aliquots of 500μL are immediately transferred to siliconized microcentrifuge tubes preloaded with 2μL of either DMSO or a test compound at final concentrations varying from lOnM to 30μM. The tubes are vortexed and incubated at 37°C for 1 hour to allow blood to clot. At the end of incubation, serum is obtained by centrifugation (12,000 x g for 5 min.). A lOOμL aliquot of serum is mixed with 400μL of methanol for protein precipitation. The supernatant is obtained and is assayed for TxB2 using a enzyme immunoassay kit (Cayman, #519031) according to the manufacturer's instruction. RAT PAW EDEMA ASSAY

Protocol Male Sprague-Dawley rats (150-200 g) are fasted overnight and are given, po, either vehicle (1% methocel or 5% Tween 80) or a test compound. One hr later, a line is drawn using a permanent marker at the level above the ankle in one hind paw to define the area of the paw to be monitored. The paw volume (Vo) is measured using a plethysmometer (Ugo-Basile, Italy) based on the principle of water displacement. The animals are then injected subplantarly with 50 ml of 1% carrageenan solution in saline (FMC Coφ, Maine) into the paw using an insulin syringe with a 25-gauge needle (i.e. 500 mg carrageenan per paw). Three hr later, the paw volume (V3) is measured and the increases in paw volume (V3 - Vo) are calculated. The animals are sacrificed by C02 asphyxiation and the absence or presence of stomach lesions scored. Data is compared with the vehicle- control values and percent inhibition calculated. All treatment groups are coded to eliminate observer bias.

NSAID-INDUCED GASTROPATHY IN RATS

Rationale The major side effect of conventional NSAIDs is their ability to produce gastric lesions in man. This action is believed to be caused by inhibition of Cox-1 in the gastrointestinal tract. Rats are particularly sensitive to the actions of NSAIDs. In fact, rat models have been used commonly in the past to evaluate the gastrointestinal side effects of current conventional NSAIDs. In the present assay, NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage is observed by measuring fecal Cr excretion after systemic injection of Cr-labeled red blood cells. Fecal Cr excretion is a well-established and sensitive technique to detect gastrointestinal integrity in animals and man. Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats (150 - 200 g) are administered orally a test compound either once (acute dosing) or b.i.d. for 5 days (chronic dosing). Immediately after the administration of the last dose, the rats are injected via a tail vein with 0.5 mL of ⁵ Cr-labeled red blood cells from a donor rat. The animals are placed individually in metabolism cages with food and water ad lib. Feces are collected for a 48 h period and Cr fecal excretion is calculated as a percent of total injected dose. Cr-labeled red blood cells are prepared using the following procedures. Ten mL of blood is collected in heparinized tubes via the vena cava from a donor rat. Plasma is removed by centrifugation and replenished with equal volume of HBSS. The red blood cells are incubated with 400 Ci of sodium chromate for 30 min. at 37C. At the end of the incubation, the red blood cells are washed twice with 20 mL

HBSS to remove free sodium chromate. The red blood cells are finally reconstituted in 10 mL HBSS and 0.5 mL of the solution (about 20 Ci) is injected per rat.

PROTEIN-LOSING GASTROPATHY IN SQUIRREL MONKEYS

Rationale

Protein-losing gastropathy (manifested as appearance of circulating cells and plasma proteins in the GI tract) is a significant and dose-limiting adverse response to standard non-steroidal anti¬ inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This can be quantitatively assessed by intravenous administration of C1CI3 solution. This isotopic ion can avidly bind to cell and serum globins and cell endoplasmic reticulum. Measurement of radioactivity appearing in feces collected for 24 h after administration of the isotope thus provides a sensitive and quantitative index of protein-losing gastropathy.

Methods Groups of male squirrel monkeys (0.8 to 1.4 kg) are treated by gavage with either 1% methocell or 5% Tween 80 in H2θ vehicles, (3mL/kg b.i.d.) or test compounds at doses from 1 - 100 mg/kg b.i.d. for 5 days. Intravenous Cr (5Ci kg in 1 ml/kg phosphate buffer saline (PBS)) is administered 1 h after the last drug/vehicle dose, and feces collected for 24 h in a metabolism cage and assessed for excreted Cr by gamma-counting. Venous blood is sampled 1 h and 8 h after the last drug dose, and plasma concentrations of drug measured by RP- HPLC.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A pharmaceutical composition for treating cyclo- oxygenase-2 mediated disease comprising an agent selected from an anti- ulcer agent and a prostaglandin of formula II

wherein

R is hydrogen or Cl-6alkyl; Rl is hydrogen, vinyl or Cl-4alkyl and the wavy line represents R or S stereochemistry;

R2, R3, and R4 are hydrogen or Cl-4alkyl or R2 and R3 together with carbon b form a cycloalkenyl having 4 to 6 carbon atoms or R3 and R4 together with carbons a and b form a cycloalkenyl having 4 to 6 carbons and wherein the a-b bond can be saturated or unsaturated; together with a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor.

2. A composition of Claim 1 wherein the prostaglandin is selected from misoprostol, and methyl-7-[2B-[6-(l-cyclopenten-l-yl)-4-hydroxy-4-methyl-lE, 5E- hexadienyl]-3α-hydroxy-5-oxo IR, lα-cyclopentyl]-4Z-heptenoate.

3. A composition according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is a compound of Formula ia

la

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein:

Rl is selected from the group consisting of

(a) S(0)2CH , (b) S(0)2NH2,

(c) S(0)2NHC(0)CF3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of

(a) C i-6alkyl,

(b) C3, C4, C5, C6, and Cη, cycloalkyl, (c) mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or naphthyl wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of

(1) hydrogen,

(2) halo, (3) Cl-6alkoxy,

(4) C l-6alkylthio,

(5) CN, (6) CF3,

(7) C l-6alkyl,

(8) N3,

(9) -C02H,

(10) -C02-Ci-4alkyl,

( 1 1 ) -C(R3)(R4)-OH,

( 12) -C(R3)(R4)-0-C ] -4alkyl, and

(13) -Ci-6alkyl-Cθ2-R3;

(d) heteroaryl

(e) benzoheteroaryl

R3, R4, R5 and R5'are each independently selected from the group < consisting of

(a) hydrogen,

(b) Cl-6alkyl.

4. A composition according to Claim 3 wherein Rl is selected from the group consisting of

(a) S(0)2CH3, and

(b) S(0)2NH2, R2 is mono or di-substituted phenyl wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of

( 1 ) hydrogen,

(2) halo, selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and bromo; and

R5 and R ' are each hydrogen.

5. A composition according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is (a) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- cy clopenten- 1 -one

(b) 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5H)-furanone, (c) 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5 )-furanone,

(d) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5//)-furanone, (e) 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-

(5H)-furanone,

(f) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5//)-furanone,

(g) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone,

(h) 3-(3,4-Difluoropheny^])-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5H)-furanone,

(i) 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (JH)-furanone, (j) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5 )-furanone, (k) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5 )-furanone, (1) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone,

(m) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(2-naphyhyl)-4-(4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, (n) 3-ρhenyl-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H furanone.

6. A composition according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is

5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, 3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-4-(4-

(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5 )-furanone,

3-phenyl-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)- furanone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

7. A system for treating cyclooxygenase-2 mediated disease while promoting the healing of gastric ulcers or protecting the gastric mucosa com¬ prising a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor and a prostaglandin of formula II

wherein R is hydrogen or C l -6alkyl; Rl is hydrogen, vinyl or C i -4alkyl and the wavy line represents R or S stereochemistry;

R2, R3, and R4 are hydrogen or Cl-4alkyl or R2 and R3 together with carbon b form a cycloalkenyl having 4 to 6 carbon atoms or R3 and R4 together with carbons a and b form a cycloalkenyl having 4 to 6 carbons and wherein the a-b bond can be saturated or unsaturated, in a form for co-administration with said selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor.

8. A system according to Claim 7 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is a compound of Formula ia

la

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein:

Rl is selected from the group consisting υf

(a) S(0)2CH3,

(b) S(0)2NH2,

(c) S(0)2NHC(0)CF3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of

(a) Cl-6alkyl,

(b) C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7, cycloalkyl,

(c) mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or naphthyl wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of

(1 ) hydrogen,

(2) halo,

(3) C i-6alkoxy, (4) C l-6alkylthio,

(5) CN,

(6) CF3,

(7) C l -6alkyl,

(8) N3,

(9) -C02H,

(10) -C02-Ci-4alkyl,

(1 1) -C(R3)(R4)-0H,

(12) -C(R3)(R4)-0-Cl-4alkyl, and

(13) -Ci-6alkyl-Cθ2-R3;

(d) heteroaryl,

(e) benzoheteroaryl,

R3, R4₇ R5 and R5'are each independently selected from the group consisting of (a) hydrogen,

(b) Cl-6alkyl.

9. A system according to Claim 8 wherein Rl is selected from the group consisting of (a) S(0)2CH3, and

(b) S(0)₂NH2, R is mono or di-substituted phenyl wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of ( 1) hydrogen,

(2) halo, selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and bromo; and R5 and R5' are each hydrogen.

10. A system according to Claim 7 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is

(a) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- cyclopenten-1-one (b) 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5 /)-furanone,

(c) 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5//)-furanone, (d) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone,

(e) 3-(3-Fluoroρhenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5#)-furanone,

(f) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone,

(h) 3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5H)-furanone, (i) 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-

(5H)-furanone,

(j) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, (k) 5 ,5-Dimethyl-3-(3 ,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone,

(1) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, (m) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(2-naphthyl)-4-(4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, or (n) 3-phenyl-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)- furanone.

11. A system according to Claim 7 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, 3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-4-(4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, 3-phenyl-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)- furanone, or

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 5

12. A co-administrable combination of a prostaglandin and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, said selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor being at least 200 times more potent against cyclooxygβnase-2 than against cyclooxygenase-2 than against cyclooxygenase- 1 as 10 measured by the ratio of said inhibitor's IC50 for cyclooxygenase-1 divided by said inhibitor's IC50 for cyclooxygenase-2, for use in treating cyclooxygenase-2 mediated disease while promoting the healing of gastric ulcers.

, r- 13. A co-administrable combination of a prostaglandin and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, said selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor being at least 200 times more potent against cyclooxygenase-2 than against cyclooxygenase-2 than against cyclooxygenase-1 as measured by the ratio of said inhibitor's IC50 for cyclooxygenase-1 divided 0 by said inhibitor's IC50 for cyclooxygenase-2, for use in treating cyclooxygenase-2 mediated disease while promoting the healing of gastric mucosa.

14. Use of an anti-ulcer agent and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhbitor in the manufacture of a medicament in which 5 the agent and inhibitor are co-administrable, for treating cyclooxygenase-2 mediated disease while promoting the healing of gastric ulcers.

15. A use of Claim 14 wherein the anti-ulcer agent is selected from cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole and ranitidine.

16. A use according to Claim 15 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is a compound of Formula Ia

la

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein:

R 1 is selected from the group consisting of (a) S(0)2CH3,

(b) S(0)2NH2,

(c) S(0)2NHC(0)CF3,

R2 is selected from the group consisting of (a) Cl-6alkyl, (b) C3, C4, C5, Cβ, and C7, cycloalkyl,

(c) mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or naphthyl wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of (1) hydrogen, (2) halo,

(3) Cl-6alkoxy,

(4) Cl-6alkylthio,

(5) CN,

(6) CF3, (7) Cl-6alkyl,

(8) N3,

(9) -CO2H, (10) -C02-Cl-4alkyl,

( 11) -C(R3)(R4)-OH,

(12) -C(R3)(R4)_0-Cl-4alkyl, and

(13) -Ci-6alkyl-Cθ2-R3; (d) heteroaryl

(e) benzoheteroaryl

R3, R4_? R5 and R5'are each independently selected from the group consisting of (a) hydrogen, (b) Cl-6alkyl.

17. A use according to Claim 16 wherein R 1 is selected from the group consisting of

(a) S(0)2CH3, and (b) S(0)2NH2,

R2 is mono or di-substituted phenyl wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of ( 1 ) hydrogen, (2) halo, selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and bromo; and R5 and R5' are each hydrogen.

18. A use according to Claim 16 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is

(a) 2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- cy clopenten- 1 -one

(b) 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)ρhenyl)-2- (5H)-furanone, (c) 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl)-2-

(5H)-furanone,

(d) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(57)-furanone, (e) 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5H)-furanone,

(f) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)ρhenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, (g) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5//)-furanone,

(h) 3-(3,4-Difluoroρhenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5H)-furanone,

(i) 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2- (5H)-furanone,

(j) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5 /)-furanone,

(k) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5//)-furanone, (1) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, (m) 5,5-Dimethyl-3-(2-naphyhyl)-4-(4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, (n) 3-phenyl-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)- furanone.

19. A use according to Claim 14 wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is

5,5-Dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone,

3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-4-(4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)-furanone, and 3-ρhenyl-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-(5H)- furanone, and or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

20. Use of a prostaglandin and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, as defined in Claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, as co-administrable agents for treating cyclooxygenase-2 mediated disease while promoting the healing of gastric ulcers or protecting the gastric mucosa.

21. A pharmaceutical composition for treating cyclo- oxygenase-2 mediated disease while promoting the healing of gastric ulcers comprising an anti-ulcer agent and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor.

22. A composition according to Claim 21 , wherein the anti- ulcer agent is selected from cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole and ranitidine.

23. A composition according to Claim 21 or 22, wherein the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor is a compound of formula Ia or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as defined in Claim 16, 17, 18 or 19.

24. A method of treating cyclooxygenase-2 mediated disease while promoting the healing of gastric ulcers comprising the co-administra¬ tion of a prostaglandin and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, both as defined in Claim 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.

25. A method of treating cyclooxygenase-2 mediated disease while protecting the gastric mucosa comprising the co-administration of a prostaglandin and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, both as defined in Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.