Last reviewed · How we verify
MK0966; rofecoxib
MK0966; rofecoxib is a COX-2 selective inhibitor (coxib) Small molecule drug developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. It is currently FDA-approved for Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Acute pain.
Rofecoxib selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), reducing prostaglandin production to decrease inflammation and pain.
MK0966 is a small molecule that inhibits the enzyme prostaglandin G/H synthase 2, also known as cyclooxygenase-2. It is classified as a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor and has been studied in various clinical trials for conditions such as stomach cancer, postoperative pain, and colorectal adenoma.
At a glance
| Generic name | MK0966; rofecoxib |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | COX-2 selective inhibitor (coxib) |
| Target | COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Rheumatology / Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
As a selective COX-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib blocks the COX-2 enzyme preferentially over COX-1, thereby reducing prostaglandin E2 and other inflammatory mediators. This mechanism provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects with a theoretical reduction in gastrointestinal toxicity compared to non-selective NSAIDs. However, selective COX-2 inhibition was later associated with increased cardiovascular thrombotic risk.
Approved indications
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Acute pain
- Dysmenorrhea
Common side effects
- Myocardial infarction
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Edema
- Dyspepsia
- Diarrhea
Key clinical trials
- A Study of Rofecoxib in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) (0966-205)(TERMINATED) (PHASE4)
- Study of Vioxx and Radiation Therapy for Brainstem Glioma (PHASE1)
- A Study of Rofecoxib Versus Naproxen in the Treatment of Chinese Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis (0966-231) (PHASE4)
- A Study of Rofecoxib in the Treatment of Post-Operative Pain After Total Knee Joint Replacement (0966-259) (PHASE4)
- A Study to Evaluate the Effect of MK0966 (Rofecoxib) on the Recurrence of Colorectal Adenomas (0966-122) (PHASE3)
- A Study of Two Approved Drugs in Patients With Osteoarthritis (0966-219) (PHASE3)
- A Study of Two Approved Drugs in the Treatment of Post-Bunionectomy Surgery Pain (0966-234)(COMPLETED) (PHASE3)
- A Study of Two Approved Drugs in the Treatment of Postoperative Dental Pain (0966-190)(COMPLETED) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- MK0966; rofecoxib CI brief — competitive landscape report
- MK0966; rofecoxib updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about MK0966; rofecoxib
What is MK0966; rofecoxib?
How does MK0966; rofecoxib work?
What is MK0966; rofecoxib used for?
Who makes MK0966; rofecoxib?
What drug class is MK0966; rofecoxib in?
What development phase is MK0966; rofecoxib in?
What are the side effects of MK0966; rofecoxib?
What does MK0966; rofecoxib target?
Related
- Drug class: All COX-2 selective inhibitor (coxib) drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2)
- Manufacturer: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Rheumatology / Pain Management
- Indication: Drugs for Osteoarthritis
- Indication: Drugs for Rheumatoid arthritis
- Indication: Drugs for Acute pain
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing