Meloxicam is the first of the Cox-2 inhibitors developed in early 1990s and targetted specifically at two cyclo-oxygenase enzymes which cause pain and inflammation.

Unlike other pain-killers, Meloxican is non-acidic in nature and is better tolerated in the gastric irritation (GI) track. With a high safety profile, it is also used in other ailments like Ankylosing spondylitis, sciatica and lumbago, claims a company spokesman.

There are other drugs like diclofenac and ibuprofen, more commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, but these are known to cause GI.

Meanwhile, Zydus Alidac in a joint venture with Byk Gulden of Germany has launched `Pantoprazole' for the first time in India under the brand name `Pantodac'.

The discovery ofproton pump leading to invention of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) has provided an alternative to surgery for patients suffering from painful and dangerous ulcers in Pantoprazole, which has shown significantly superior healing and faster relief in the treatment of ulcers, the spokesman added.