Novel analgesic-antiinflammatory salicylates.

5-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)salicylic acid, diflunisal (25), is the best compound, in terms of both efficacy and safety, from over 500 salicylates investigated in our laboratories. It is a chemically distinct, nonacetylating salicylic acid, more active than aspirin as an analgesic and antiinflammatory agent and superior in duration of action and therapeutic index. Some recent clinical and biochemical observations are briefly discussed.