Loxoprofen

Loxoprofen itself is a prodrug and carries little-to-no pharmacological activity - it is rapidly metabolized to its trans-alcohol form, which is a potent and non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. Cyclooxygenase (COX) is present in 2 forms, COX-1 and COX-2, with each serving different functions. COX-1 is present in human cells and is constitutively released, performing cellular housekeeping functions such as mucus production and platelet aggregation. COX-2 is induced in human cells post-injury or due to other stimuli, is triggered to appear in large quantities at the sites of injury/stimuli, and is ultimately responsible for the mediation of inflammation and pain.

Loxoprofen's active metabolite inhibits both COX isoforms, resulting in reduced expression of several mediators of pain, inflammation, and fever (e.g. prostaglandins, prostacyclin, thromboxane, etc).