Abstract: Treatment of inflammation in mammals utilizing selected ketobutyrolactones and furylbutyrolactones. Treatment is applicable to both acute or chronic inflammation. Antiviral activity of methylfurylbutyrolactone is also disclosed.

Abstract: It has now been discovered that the acid catalyzed Michael reaction products of ascorbic acid and certain selected ketones are useful for their therapeutic activity. More specifically the useful reaction products of the invention are those obtained by reactions of ascorbic acid with .alpha.,.beta. unsaturated alicyclic diketones containing from 5 to 7 carbon atoms.The preferred compounds of the invention may be represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein n is 1, 2 or 3. The ability of the compounds of this invention to stimulate an immune response has been established by a number of art recognized tests.