Bextra was created to combat the effects of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most prevalent chronic illnesses and leading causes of disability in the United States. The enzymes responsible for these two illnesses are named COX-1 and COX-2, and have been the target of arthritis therapy using nonselective NSAIDs. An understanding of the COX enzymes has allowed for the development of agents that specifically inhibit COX-2. ...MORE