Abstract: The invention provides novel soft steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, pharmaceutical compositions containing said agents, and methods of administering same to mammals in the treatment of inflammation. Preferred compounds of the invention include haloalkyl 17.alpha.-alkoxycarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-ca rboxylates and the corresponding .DELTA..sup.1,4 compounds, optionally bearing 6.alpha.- and/or 9.alpha.-fluorine and 16.alpha.- or 16.beta.-methyl substituents. Especially preferred compounds include haloalkyl 17.alpha.-alkoxycarbonyloxy-9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-16-methylandr osta-1,4-dien-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylates.