Flurbiprofen synthesis was originally reported in 1974. During a study of the pharmacological properties of a large number of substituted phenylalkanoic acids, including ibuprofen and ibufenac, the most potent were found to be substituted 2-(4-biphenyl)propionic acids. Further toxicological and pharmacological studies indicated that flurbiprofen possessed the most favorable therapeutic profile, so it was selected for further clinical development. It was not marketed until 1987, when it was introduced as the sodium salt as Ocufen, the first topical NSAID indicated for ophthalmic use in the United States. The indication for Ocufen is the same as that for Profenal-that is, to inhibit intraoperative miosis induced by prostaglandins in cataract surgery.

1. Prevention of ophthalmologic cystic edema after removal of crystals.
Treatment of anterior segment inflammation after cataract and trabecular laser surgery.
Inhibition of pupil contraction during surgery.
2. Clinically used to inhibit pupil dilation and postoperative anti-inflammatory during endoscopic surgery. Treatment of inflammatory response after laser trabeculectomy and other inflammatory reactions in the anterior segment of the eye. It also has a therapeutic effect on contact lens-induced giant papillary conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis and cystoid macular edema.
3. For rheumatoid arthritis.