Pharmaceutical composition and method for treatment of inflammation

This invention relates to the use of enantiomerically pure R-NSAIDs for the treatment of inflammation. Preferably, the R-NSAID used is R-flurbiprofen and is administered in a dose of at least 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. The anti-inflammatory action of R-NSAIDs is due to their ability to interfere with the biosynthesis of COX-2 by inhibiting COX-2 mRNA synthesis, rather than by just blocking the action of the enzyme itself. In order to effect the inhibition of COX-2 mRNA synthesis, the R-NSAID must be present at relatively high doses. Because the R-NSAID is selective in its action, that is, it does not inhibit either COX-1 mRNA synthesis or the COX-1 enzyme itself, it can be administered in the required high doses because the tissue protective effects of prostaglandins made through the COX-1 pathway are not interfered with.