COX-2 Inhibitor Prexige Gains EU, Canadian Approval for Osteoarthritis

BASEL, Switzerland - Novartis AG has announced that its COX-2 inhibitor anti-inflammatory drug Prexige has been approved for use in Canada and cleared for approval in the European Union for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The Swiss drug manufacturer also says it plans to resubmit Prexige (lumiracoxib) for U.S. approval in 2007, following the FDA's request for more information in 2003.

The COX-2 class of painkilling drugs has been under review since Merck & Co. Inc. recalled Vioxx from the worldwide market in September 2004, when a study showed the drug doubled the risk of heart attack and stroke with long-term …