Nabumetone

Nabumetone was originally developed as a non-acidic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It was thought to avoid trapping of the drug in the stomach by making it unable to dissociate into ions which was believed to reduce GI toxicity by limiting local action. While slightly reduced, possibly due to a degree of cyclooxygenase-2 selectivity (COX-2), nabumetone still produces significant adverse effects in the GI tract. The molecule itself is a pro-drug with its 6-methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid (6-MNA) metabolite acting as a potent COX inhibitor similar in structure to naproxen. Nabumetone was developed by Smithkline Beecham under the trade name Relafen and first received FDA approval in December, 1991.