Abstract: A large group of lipophilic, pharmacologically active compounds can be effectively delivered across intact skin by applying them topically in a binary, penetration-enhancing vehicle containing (1) a C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 diol, diol ester, or diol ether and (2) a cell envelope-disordering compound. This vehicle provides surprising enhancement of skin penetration for the pharmacological active, compared to either component alone.

Abstract: Trienamide and tetraenamide compounds, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a straight or branched chain tri-unsaturated or tetra-unsaturated fatty acid amide having from 14 to 24 carbon atoms, exhibit anit-inflammatory and analgesic activity when administered to humans or lower animals.

Abstract: The present invention involves compounds having the structure: ##STR1## (a) --A-- is selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## (b) --Y is selected from certain low molecular weight moieties which terminate in specific functional groups: --C.tbd.CH, ##STR3## and aldehydes in the form of their acetals; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; and methods for treating inflammation by administering such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention involves compounds having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: (a) --A.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of --OH, --H, and --O.sub.2 CR;(b) --A.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted or substituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight, branched and cyclic alkyl having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms;(c)--A.sup.3 is selected from --C(CH.sub.3).sub.3, --Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3, and --CF.sub.3 ; and(d) --Y is selected from certain low molecular weight alkyl chains which terminate in specific unsaturated functional groups: ##STR2## and aldehydes in the form of their acetals; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; and methods for treating inflammation by administering such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel specifically-substituted phenyl compounds, especially substituted di-tert-butyl phenol derivatives, which are effective as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and/or antipyretic agents. These phenyl compounds are substituted with a low molecular weight alkyl chain which terminates in a specific unsaturated functional group. These unsaturated functionalities are --C.tbd.CH, C.dbd.CH.sub.2, C.dbd.C.dbd.CH.sub.2, and aldehydes in the form of their acetals.The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions which contain an anti-inflammatory agent of the present invention and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.Finally, the present invention relates to methods for treating diseases characterized by inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, in humans or lower animals.

Abstract: Topical pharmaceutical compositions containing a corticosteroid component and a penetration-enhancing vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle comprises a binary combination of a C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 diol and a "cell-envelope disordering compound". The vehicle provides marked transepidermal and percutaneous delivery of corticosteroids. A method of treating certain rheumatic and inflammatory conditions, systemically or locally, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition containing a higher alcohol having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms and a lower alcohol is effective for treating acne when applied topically to affected areas.