Researchers in Houston are studying an arthritis drug to see whether it can reverse lung damage caused by years of smoking.

They say they have reason to believe that Celebrex can counter lung damage and lower a person’s risk for lung cancer.

“It’s something that’s been able to prevent the proliferation of abnormal cells,” said Dr. Jonathan Kurie, a researcher involved with the study.

The researchers say that they don’t recommend that people take Celebrex on their own, especially because the study isn’t complete and because every drug poses a risk.