Design, synthesis of celecoxib-tolmetin drug hybrids as selective and potent COX-2 inhibitors

Abstract Three novel series of diarylpyrazole 10b-d and triarylpyrazole derivatives 11a-d & 12a-d were synthesized through Vilsmier-Haack condition. The structures of prepared compounds were determined through IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, Mass spectral and elemental analysis. Docking of the synthesized compounds over COX-2 active site ensure their selectivity. Moreover, the target compounds were evaluated for both in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity. All compounds were more selective for COX-2 isozyme than COX-1 isozyme and with excellent anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 11b , 11d and 12b showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity (67.4%, 62.7%, 61.4% respectively), lower ulcerogenic liability (UI = 2.00, 2.75, 3.25 respectively) than indomethacin (UI = 14) and comparable to celecoxib (UI = 1.75) which were confirmed from the histopatholgical study.