Comment positionner l'acéclofénac au sein de l'arsenal thérapeutique des pathologies ostéo-articulaires chroniques ?

The aim of this article is to critically review the potential role of aceclofenac in the treatment of inflammatory pain and chronic osteoarticular disorder, based on its activity on the mediators of inflammation, its effect on cartilage remodeling and on the results of clinical studies comparing aceclofenac with other NSAIDs in these disorders. Aceclofenac has an outstanding anti-inflammatory profile, involving besides a classical inhibition of prostaglandins E2, a decrease in the expression of several cytokines including interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. It also inhibits activated oxygen species production and influences cells adhesion. Aceclofenac and its main metabolite, 4-hydroxyaceclofenac, has positive effects on cartilage anabolism combined with modulating effect of matrix catabolism. Clinically, aceclofenac has been consistently shown to have a similar efficacy than that of widely marketed NSAIDs and a tolerance profile at least as good, if not better than the profile observed for other NSAIDs in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. As of today, no head to head comparison between aceclofenac and coxibs have been performed, nor for efficacy neither for tolerance. The specific profile of aceclofenac makes this NSAID an interesting candidate for long-term treatment of chronic rheumatic disorders as well as for treatment of acute inflammatory episodes.