Overview of the Newer Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapies Cyclooxygenase inhibition COX-2–Specific Inhibitor: Celecoxib 12-week, double-blind, randomized trial; 1103 patients with RA in a flare state Celecoxib (100, 200, or 400 mg bid) vs naproxen (500 mg bid) vs placebo Efficacy of celecoxib generally comparable to naproxen Efficacy of all doses of celecoxib similar and superior to placebo on ACR 20, HAQ Disability Index Safety of celecoxib comparable to placebo COX-2–specific at therapeutic doses Incidence of Endoscopic Gastroduodenal Ulcers After Celecoxib Treatment COX-2–Specific Inhibitor: Rofecoxib 52-week double-blind, randomized trial vs diclofenac; 693 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of knee or hip 6-week double-blind, randomized trial vs ibuprofen; 809 patients with clinical and radiographic knee or hip OA Efficacy of rofecoxib once daily comparable to that of diclofenac or ibuprofen three times daily Safety of rofecoxib comparable to that of placebo COX-2–specific at therapeutic doses Rofecoxib vs Ibuprofen and Placebo:...