Product information

COX-2 selectivity

What is COX?

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. There are two different isoforms (chemical derivatives) of the enzyme cyclooxygenase: COX-1 and COX-2.

COX-1 is a constant, physiological "housekeeper" isoform which is constitutive (produced widely throughout the body). COX-1 is involved in the regulation of day-to-day cellular and metabolic activities such as maintaining stomach lining integrity, regulating blood flow within the kidneys, and balancing platelet function.

COX-2 is mainly inducible — that is, expressed in response to a variety of proinflammatory/painful stimuli — although it has some constitutive functions, including in the brain and kidney. COX-2 expression is usually minimal but, when activated, regulates prostaglandin production.

Traditional NSAIDs inhibit both kinds of COX. Unfortunately, COX-1 inhibition also affects important functions such as protection of the gastric mucosa and support for renal and platelet function.

Onsior is the first and only COXIB available for both cats and dogs.

At labelled doses, Onsior is selective to COX-2 compared to COX-1 in both species:¹

• 140 times more selective in dogs.
• 500 times more selective in cats.

Onsior targets COX-2 to relieve pain and inflammation and spares COX-1 to protect gastrointestinal and platelet functions.

1. Onsior Summary of Product Characteristics. Novartis Animal Health. 16.12.2008. Basel, Switzerland.