%0 Journal Article
%T Dual-target inhibitors based on COX-2: a review from medicinal chemistry perspectives.
%A Zhang F
%A Zhu G
%A Li Y
%A Qi Y
%A Wang Z
%A Li W
%J Future Med Chem
%V 15
%N 23
%D 2023 12 14
%M 38095081
%F 4.767
%R 10.4155/fmc-2023-0192
%X Inhibitors of COX-2 constitute a class of anti-inflammatory analgesics, showing potential against certain types of cancer. However, such inhibitors are associated with cardiovascular toxicity. Moreover, although single-target molecules possess specificity for particular targets, they often lead to poor safety, low efficacy and drug resistance due to compensatory mechanisms. A new generation of dual-target drugs that simultaneously inhibit COX-2 and another target is showing strong potential to treat cancer or reduce adverse cardiac effects. The present perspective focuses on the structure and functions of COX-2, and its role as a therapeutic target. It also explores the current state and future possibilities for dual-target strategies from a medicinal chemistry perspective.