Lumiracoxib is a COX-2 selective inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. On August 11, 2007, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA, the Australian equivalent of the FDA) cancelled the registration of lumiracoxib in Australia due to concerns that it may cause liver failure. New Zealand and Canada have also followed suit in recalling the drug. (en)
The mechanism of action of lumiracoxib is due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis via inhibition of cyclooygenase-2 (COX-2). Lumiracoxib does not inhibit COX-1 at therapeutic concentrations. (en)
Single oral doses in mice and rats resulted in mortality and/or moribundity at doses of 600 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Single intraperitoneal doses in mice and rats results in mortality/moribundity at 750 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. The maximum non-lethal single oral and intraperitoneal dose in mouse was 300 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, respectively. In the rat it was 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, respectively. (en)