Onsenal is a new preparation of the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib, indicated for use in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Patients with this condition develop large numbers of intestinal polyps that overexpress COX-2. Left untreated, these polyps eventually progress to colorectal cancer.
In a randomised, controlled trial in 83 patients with FAP, treatment with celecoxib for 6 months reduced the number of polyps by a mean of 28% (compared with a mean reduction of 5% for placebo). Celecoxib has been studied only for up to 6 months in FAP, and has not been shown to reduce the risk of cancer or the need for surgery.
Further information: Pfizer
