The pharmacology of benoxaprofen (2-[4-chlorophenyl]-alpha-methyl-5-benzoxazole acetic acid), LRCL 3794, a new compound with antiinflammatory activity apparently unrelated to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.

Benoxaprofen is a potent and long-acting anti-inflammatory and antipyretic compound. Its anti-inflammatory activity has been demonstrated in carrageenan-induced oedema, in cellulose pellet granuloma and in both developing and established adjuvant arthritis tests in rats. Its antipyretic activity is greater than either aspirin or paracetamol in tests inducing pyrexia with yeast of 'E' pyrogen in rats and rabbits. Benoxaprofen has analgesic activity in tests where pain is accompanied by inflammation but not in other experimental models of pain. The weak prostaglandin synthetase inhibiting properties of this compound differentiate it from other acid anti-inflammatory compounds. The low ulcerogenic potential of benoxaprofen seen in animal models may be related to its relative inability to inhibit PG synthetase.