Licofelone is a dual COX/LOX inhibitor[1][2] that was studied in clinical trials as a treatment for osteoarthritis[3] and which was under development by Merckle GmbH with partners Alfa Wassermann and Lacer.

Licofelone is both an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory.

Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) may reduce the gastrointestinal toxicity associated with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), which only inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX).

Licofelone is the first drug to inhibit both.

Phase III trials for osteoarthritis were conducted in the early 2000s,[4][5] but results were mixed and the drug has never been submitted for regulatory approval.