Abstract: A biological response modifying metal ion chelating agent such as picolinic acid, analogs or derivatives thereof, and methods of using the same. The agents chelate metals in metal containing protein complexes and enzymes required for growth, replication or inflammatory response. The preparations can be administered systemically or topically. The products can be used to reduce systemic levels of metals in disease states such as Wilson's disease, iron or lead toxicity. The preparations have antineoplastic, antiviral, antiinflammatory, analgesic antiangiogenic, antiproliferative as well as hematopoetic and immune stimulant, effects and are used in the treatment of warts, psoriasis, acne, cancers, sunburn, inflammatory responses, untoward angiogenesis, immune depression and other diseases and in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases such as genital warts, herpes and AIDS.