SAR in the alkoxy lactone series: the discovery of DFP, a potent and orally active COX-2 inhibitor.

Extensive SAR has been established in the alkoxy lactone series and this has lead to the discovery of DFP (5,5-dimethyl-3-(2-propoxy)-4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-2(5H)-furanone), a potent COX-2 inhibitor exhibiting in vivo efficacy in all models studied.