Bromfenac Sodium was launched in the US as a potent, orally-active, long lasting peripheral analgesic with antiinflammatory properties. It is structurally similar to ketoprofen and diclofenac and can be prepared in three steps from 2-amino-4’-bromophenone using Gassman’s oxindole synthesis. Duract’s biological effects are a result of its ability to reduce prostaglandin production through inhibition of cyclooxygenase. As a 4-bromo derivative of Amfenac, this modification increased the duration of analgesic activity and antiinflammatory potency. It was also free of any CNS, cardiovascular or autonomic effects. In comparison, 5 mg of Duract was equipotent to 650 mg of ASA and 25 mg was slightly more potent than 400 mg of Ibuprofen.
