2-pyridinyl-3(4-methylsulfonyl)phenylpyridines: Selective and orally active cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0960-894X(98)00499-5

A series of novel 2-pyridinyl-3-(4-methylsulfonyl)phenylpyridines has been synthesized and evaluated with respect to their ability to inhibit the isozymes of cyclooxygenase, COX-1, and COX-2. Optimum COX-2 activity is observed by introduction of a substituent at C5 of the central pyridine. 5- Chloro-3-(4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl-2(2-methyl-5-pyridinyl)pyridine 33 was identified as the optimum compound in this series.