N-acylated sulfonamide sodium salt: a prodrug of choice for the bifunctional 2-hydroxymethyl-4-(5-phenyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-1-yl) benzenesulfonamide class of COX-2 inhibitors.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of possible prodrugs of COX-2 inhibitors involving sulfonamide and hydroxymethyl groups of 2-hydroxymethyl-4-(5-phenyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-1-yl) benzenesulfonamides are described. Out of many options, the sodium salt of N-propionyl sulfonamide demonstrated much improved pharmacological profiles and physicochemical properties suitable for oral as well as parenteral administration.